| Filers seeking rebate can get free IRS help
Because of mass confusion about the IRS rebates among people who otherwise wouldn't have to file income tax returns, the Internal Revenue Service is opening its offices this Saturday to help people file returns at no charge. The IRS encouraged Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program locations and AARP Tax-Aide sites to participate as well. In Northeast Ohio, the free help will be available at 17 locations. Nearly 1 million people in Ohio, and more than 20 million nationwide, don't owe federal taxes but will have to file returns just to be eligible for the economic stimulus payments Congress approved in February, IRS spokesman Eric Erickson said Tuesday. While the payments are for 2008, the government is using 2007 tax returns being filed now to determine eligibility for the rebates.
AARP Lists Tax Aide Sites
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers, trained in cooperation with the IRS, will offer free tax preparation assistance to low- and middle-income taxpayers at various sites throughout Hernando County. Special attention is given to those age 60 and older. Taxpayers do not need to be a member of AARP or retired to use this service. Free electronic filing (e-file) is available at all sites. Taxpayers wishing to participate must bring photo I.D. and Social Security cards, including Social Security cards for all dependents, a copy of last year's tax return, all applicable tax records for 2007 showing income, deductions and credits, and a canceled check with bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit of any refund. The service will be offered from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through April 15 at the sites listed below.
IRS offices offer help on getting tax rebate
Most federal Internal Revenue Service offices, including one in La Crosse, will be open Saturday to help retirees, veterans and low-income workers receive upcoming tax rebates.The local IRS office, in Room 204 on the second floor of the La Crosse post office at
425 State St., will be open from9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on "Super Saturday." It will help people who normally aren't required to file an income tax return complete a simple Form 1040A tax return so they can qualify for the rebate.The IRS office's regular hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. weekdays.IRS personnel also will provide the same service from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center at 500 E. Veterans St. in Tomah, Wis."We encourage people to bring the right information, such as proper identification and proof of Social Security numbers for themselves and any dependent such as their wife and children, and benefit statements" such as W-2 earnings statements and annual Social Security notices of benefits paid in the previous year, said Christopher Miller, IRS spokesman in Milwaukee.About 320 IRS offices nationwide will be open Saturday to prepare the simple Form 1040A for people who are filing a return solely to receive their economic stimulus payment, Miller said.For millions of Americans, filing a tax return is not routine because their income either is too low or not taxable, IRS officials said.
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