LARSO News:

The Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization (LARSO) announces it will again work with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide organization to provide free tax services to the Los Alamos community.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. The services provided by volunteers from the community are intended primarily for older adults and lower income taxpayers.

“We are pleased to be able to offer services in-person again this year in partnership with the Los Alamos Retired and Senior Organization,” group organizer Duncan Hammon said. “With exceptions for a few days, appointments will be taken for Monday and Thursday at The Betty Ehart Center and Fridays at the White Rock Center from Monday, Feb. 5 through Friday, April 12.”

New this year is offering the service at both the Betty Ehart and White Rock Senior Activity Centers. Gruninger said she believes this will allow more individuals to participate and receive the benefits of this service.

Appointments are required and can be made starting Tuesday, Jan. 23 by calling 505.662.8920. Those interested may also call 505.695.1211 now and leave a message or email 0053901@aarpfoundation.org.

Please arrive 10-20 minutes early for your appointment so you can fill out the required Intake/Interview form. You can also pick up this form at the Senior Center prior to your appointment if you would like to fill it out at home.

Taxpayers will sit with the volunteer counselor while the return is being prepared. No documents will be retained and all returns will be filed electronically.

For taxpayers who are married both individuals must be present to sign documents. Exceptions may be made only when a spouse is unable to be present due to health issues. No Married Filing Separate returns will be able to be completed.

What you need to bring:

1. Copy of prior year return,
2. Driver’s license or state ID of the primary filers,
3. Social Security Card or ITIN letters for all taxpayers and dependents,
4. Social Security year end statement (SSA-1099)
5. Bank information (routing and account numbers) for direct deposit or direct debit,
6. Income documents: W-2, 1099 for retirement income, self-employment, interest, dividend, capital gains or brokerage statements, unemployment (form 1099-G), gambling income and related loss documentation.,
7. Individuals eligible for State/County Rebates or Credits – bring 1022 property tax bill or rent information, out-of-pocket medical expenses and other household income (SSI, etc.),
8. Supporting documents for itemized deductions or credits: childcare, college or vocational training expenses (1098-T), charitable donations, mortgage interest, etc.

If applicable, also bring:

1. Self-employed Income and Expenses documentation, 1099-NEC or other income, business related expenditures, business miles driven.
2. Marketplace insurance document 1095-A

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program cannot prepare returns that include:

1. Rental income
2. Married individuals who file separately,
3. Self-employment returns with expenses of more than $35,000, home office deduction, employees, inventory, or operating loss,
4. Any virtual currency (crypto coin) transactions
5. Royalty income with associated expenses,
6. Casualty loss,
7. Out-of-state returns will not able to be completed.