NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Volunteers are organizing at five locations this tax season for low- and moderate-income households, three of which are AARP tax sites. 

 

AARP has been hosting tax preparation sites for more than 15 years and, because of the volume of eligible community members, it is by appointment only.

 

You often hear people say they no longer need to file, but if one member of the family unit is older than 65 years, you may be eligible for a Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit of up $1,000. In order to file, you must bring your property tax bills and water bills or rental amount.

 

In order to have your taxes done you must bring last year's return and all that would apply of the following: W-2,1099-Int, 1099-Div, 1099R, 1099-SSA, 1099-G, 1099-MISC, 1099-B and any other income. You still need proof of insurance for Massachusetts through a 1095-A or 1095-B.

 

The three AARP tax sites are:

These three sites have a number of trained volunteers in the advanced level of tax preparation per Internal Revenue Service regulations. Additionally, all the three sites are conveniently located on the BRTA bus line.

 

The Adams and North Adams sites offer reduced lunches to senior citizens although reservations must be made 24 hours in advance of the day. Seniors can have lunch for a $2 donation and get their taxes done at no additional cost.

 

The Berkshire Community Action Council, located at 85 Main St., second floor, does taxes as well for all other low-income taxpayers.  The site is manned by Williams College students, also a volunteer assistance tax program. Call 413-663-3014 to book an appointment.

 

Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and its Department of Business Administration will once again partner with Habitat for Humanity to offer free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA, a program of the IRS, assists taxpayers with disabilities or limited English speaking skills, those 60 years of age or older, or households with income below $56,000 a year. MCLA students will be available to complete both basic and advanced returns, including those with itemized deductions.

 

Call the Habitat for Humanity offices at 413-442-0002 or 413-442-3181 to determine qualification and to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins will also be assisted on a first-come, first-served basis. MCLA students will begin to see clients on Monday, Feb. 10; hours are Mondays from 4-8 p.m., Wednesdays from 4:30-8:30 p.m., and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in MCLA's Murdock Hall, located at 375 Church St. in North Adams. The program will continue through April 15.