Program offers free tax prep assistance

Free tax preparation assistance will be available through the federal tax season through the American Association of Retired Persons Tax-Aide program.

The program provides free help in preparing and electronically filing federal and state income tax returns for low- to moderate-income taxpayers. The service is free to anyone of any age.

The tax service is now available and will be through April 17 in the Earl Bennett Conference Room, Suite 50, at the Gateway Community Center (formerly the Gateway West Mall), 1203 U.S. 2 W., in Kalispell. Appointments will be available on Mondays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m., and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Appointments are required. To schedule an appointment, call 406-407-8355.

Computers will also be available for taxpayers to prepare their own federal and Montana state returns for free. The site, co-sponsored by the United Way, is also accessible through personal electronic devices. The site is: http://myfreetaxes.com.

All volunteers are trained and certified through the Internal Revenue Service and must sign a confidentiality agreement.

There is no fee and no sales pitch for other services. AARP membership is not required.

The program has limits on the types of returns that the volunteers will prepare. Some examples of returns that would be considered outside the scope of the program include farm income, rental income, returns with a significant number of capital gains/losses and business income that includes employees, depreciation, inventory or a loss.

Taxpayers are asked to bring the following information to the tax preparation site:

• Copy of last year’s tax return

• Picture ID for the taxpayer and Social Security cards for all persons listed on the return

• W-2 forms from each employer

• Unemployment compensation statements

• SSA-1099 forms for those who were paid Social Security

• All 1099 forms (1099-Int, 1099-Div, 1099-B, 1099-C etc.)

• 1099-Misc. showing any miscellaneous income

• 1099-R from for those who receive a pension or IRA distribution

• Dependent Care provider information (name, employer ID, Social Security number)

• Checkbook or savings account information for direct deposit

• For those older than 62 eligible for the Montana Homeowner and Renter credit, a copy of 2016 property tax bill and/or total rent paid in 2016

In addition to this checklist, taxpayers should bring documentation with proof of health insurance payments during 2016. If insurance was purchased on the Marketplace, taxpayers must also provide form 1095A. This form will be issued by the insurance company.

The local United Way provides donated space and materials for the tax assistance program. AARP has been providing tax preparation help in the Flathead Valley for nearly 40 years.

For information on the local program, call the United Way at 406-752-7266 or toll-free 888-720-7266 outside the local calling area.