Free tax help for taxpayers across all generations and income levels is being offered at Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center. The Center’s tax clinics will take place on Tuesdays, beginning on February 7 and continuing through April 10, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.  Marilynn Wilson and her team of AARP/IRS trained and certified tax counselors will be at Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center, 512 Main Street, Damariscotta, Maine to help you with your 2011 Federal and State income tax returns.  This free service is available, by appointment, to individuals, couples and families.

Electronic Filing (free) of federal and state returns will be available to most clients.  With efiling and direct deposit, you could have your refund in as few as 8 days.  If you owe (or think you might owe), you can have your returns prepared and filed now and pay separately with a supplied voucher anytime until April 15.  So don’t wait.  Call 563-1363 to schedule an appointment as soon as you have all your income and deduction information.

To your appointment please remember to bring last year’s tax returns (2010 state and federal), regardless of where and by whom it was prepared, and all information and documentation about your 2011 income and deductions. Coastal’s team of AARP tax consultants are certified to prepare 1040EZ, 1040A and many 1040 returns.  They can help you figure out if you are eligible for any of the following credits:

• Earned Income Credit (up to $5,751), Child Tax Credit (up to $1000 per child).
• Credit for the Elderly/Disabled.
• Retirement savings credit.
• Child/dependent care credit.
• Education credits.
• Non-business energy credits.

The tax consultants who come to the Coastal Community Center can prepare Itemized Deduction Schedules, simple business schedules (C and C-EZ where

your expenses are less than $10,000, you are not claiming an overall loss, and you do not amortize or depreciate, capital gain/loss schedules, interest and dividend income schedules. Tax payers with complex returns (rental income – Form E, business profit and loss – Schedule C, employee business expense – Form 2106, extensive investment portfolios – Advanced Schedule D and other more complicated forms and returns) are advised to seek paid tax assistance.  

Tax consultations at Spectrum Generations Coastal Community Center are completely confidential, there are no income or age limits, so call 563-1363 today to make an appointment. Identification (photographs) and social security numbers for all dependents shown on your return must be shown to your tax preparer.  AARP Tax assistance is also available by appointment at the: Waldoboro Public Library, Waldoboro (832- 4484); Skidompha Public Library, Damariscotta (563-5513); Washington Fire Station, Washington (845-2377).

Have you taken advantage of the state of Maine “circuit breaker” refund program where Maine residents who paid rent and/or property tax in 2010 may be eligible for a refund of up to $1600?  You can still file for the 2010 refund until May 31, 2012.

What is AARP Tax-Aid?  It is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service available to taxpayers.  Over 32,000 AARP

Tax-Aide volunteers, trained in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), now help over 2 million taxpayers file their federal, state and local tax returns each year. 

Spectrum Generations (www.spectrumgenerations.org) is the leader in innovative programs, services, and options that enrich the lives of all we serve.  Our organization envisions healthy, successful and positive aging in current and for future generations.  Spectrum Generations promotes: life-long learning; health; wellness; nutrition; community engagement and; the social well-being of older adults.