Focus

Materials Needed to Get Started
Keep this as a checklist of the items you will need to file your
return. The IRS recommends keeping all tax-related documents
for three years, in case of an audit. Tracking incomerelated
documents can help you take full advantage of deductions
available to you.
• A copy of last year’s tax return
• Valid social security numbers for yourself, spouse and children
• All income statements, i.e. W-2 forms from all employers
• Interest/dividend statements, i.e. 1099 forms
• Form 1099-G showing any state refunds
• Unemployment compensation amount
• Social Security benefits
• Expense receipts for deductions
• Day care provider’s identifying number
Did you know?
• Most refunds are issued in less than 21 days.
• Combining e-file with direct deposit is still the fastest way to
get your refund.
• Use “Where’s My Refund?” to get personalized refund information.
• You can also use the IRS app, IRS2Go, to check the status
of your refund.
• Can’t meet the April 15 deadline? Use Free File for a free
extension; then use Free File to do your taxes by October 15.
Tax Counseling for the Elderly, which is operated by AARP
Foundation Tax-Aide, offers free help all with priority assistance
to people who are age 60 and older. Find a Tax-Aide site
at AARP.org or call 888-227-7660. Some VITA/TCE sites even
offer Free File.
Earned Income Tax Credit: How to Get It Right
No tax benefit offers a greater lifeline to working families than
the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). But putting this credit to
work can be complex. The IRS has upgraded its EITC Assistant
on IRS.gov to make it easier than ever to determine if you are
qualified and how much you may receive.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
• You must have a social security number and have earned an
income.
• The maximum credit for 2013 tax returns is $6,044 for workers
with three or more qualifying children.
• Eligibility for the EITC is determined based on a number
of factors including earnings, filing status and eligible children.
Workers without qualifying children may be eligible for a
smaller credit amount.
You can learn more at www.irs.gov/eitc and use the EITC
Assistant or ask your tax professional. If you are eligible for
EITC, you also qualify for free tax help at VITA sites nationwide
or for Free File at www.irs.gov/freefile.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
There are 13,000 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
sites nationwide that offer free help to people earning $52,000
or less. Search “VITA” on IRS.gov for a nearby site.
FOCUS of SWFL 2014 49