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Tax Help For Seniors Returns

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By LAURA CONE

The Sun

Published: February 25, 2009

There was a time when house calls were common. Don Frederick of Sun City Center, a tax counselor with AARP's Tax Aide program, said homebound senior citizens are tickled to death he offers just such a service.

Frederick, who has served as a AARP tax counselor for 12 years is one of several counselors helping seniors complete their tax returns, free of charge.

A former civil engineer, Frederick said some do-it-yourself tax preparers make costly math errors.

"Most of the time the errors are mathematical errors," Frederick said. "Since we do it on the computer, that eliminates most mathematical errors. Some people may interpret the tax rules differently than they should be. Sometimes they think they don't have to do this or that, but they really do."

He said they are offering free tax help to low and middle income taxpayers from now through April 15.
Marilyn Wilson of Sun City Center, the site coordinator of the AARP Tax Aide program in Sun City Center, said people who come to one of their sites should bring their Social Security card or income statement, a picture ID, last year's tax return, and all 2008 tax papers.

"I just love doing taxes," Wilson said.

She said all the counselors are certified through AARP.

"We have the nicest counselors and the nicest clients," said Wilson, adding they try to see people with an appointment within 15 minutes of their appointment time.

It takes about an hour to do the return, according to Wilson.

"Our mission is to help low- and middle-income filers with special attention to those 60 and above," Wilson said.

Wilson said this year she is asking people to bring in any property tax bill they paid in 2008 even if they are not going to itemize deductions. Also, counselors need to know how much economic stimulus rebate the family or individual received last year.

Bring a check book so the IRS may direct deposit money due as part of a tax refund. Direct deposit is safer and quicker since the return can not get lost in the mail, according to Wilson.

She said banks and brokerage forms may not mail out 1099 forms as early this year.

"It used to be everything had to be in the mail by Jan. 31," Wilson said. "The brokers this year have been given until Feb. 17 to mail them out."

Walk-in tax help is available at the Kings Point North Clubhouse, Monday and Friday from 1 to 5 p.m., Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

People may also make appointments or walk in to the tax office at the United Community Church, 1501 La Jolla Ave., SCC. The hours for the church tax office are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, call Marilyn Wilson at (813) 633-5679 or at the United Community Church tax office at (813) 634-3502. People who are unable to leave their homes may call Don Frederick for an appointment at (813) 634-4200.

Editor Laura Cone may be reached at lcone@mediageneral.com.

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