Free Income Tax Preparation Available at Senior Center

Free income tax preparation will again be available Thursdays at the Senior Services Center of Chatham, 58 Meyersville Road, Chatham Township beginning on Feb. 4.  This is a confidential service, preparation is by appointment only, and all returns are e-filed. 

One may call the Senior Center at 973-635-4565 or 635-4556 to set up an appointment.  This service is available to all taxpayers with middle or low income, with special attention being given to people who are age 60 and up.  Those with complex tax returns are advised to seek professional tax assistance.  Participants do not need to be AARP members or residents of Chatham.

Tax preparation is provided through the AARP Tax Aide program using IRS trained volunteers.  The program will run through Thursday, April 15.  Although homebound appointments are no longer available, family members may drop off the returns of the homebound at the senior center for the tax preparers.  Returns will be e-filed ensuring greater accuracy and faster refunds.

It is important that clients bring a copy of their 2008 state and federal return, the November 2008 real estate tax bill, all W-2 forms, SSA 1099 forms, 1099s for interest, dividends and other income, 1099 forms for pension, annuity and IRA distribution, 1099-B forms for assets sold during the year, original purchase price of assets sold during the year, receipts or cancelled checks if itemizing deductions and Social Security numbers for all dependents.

Senior bus transportation is available for Chatham senior citizens, but the tax program itself is offered to all area residents.  For bus transportation, call 973-635-4565 one day in advance of your trip between 9am and 2pm.  A dispatcher will confirm the reservation that evening.  The Center is located in the lower section of the Chatham Township Municipal Building.

For more information about this program and other services offered at the Senior Center call 973-635-4565 or 973-635-4556.