Free tax prep and e-filing of federal and Arizona tax returns

Quail Creek residents who volunteer their time at the AARP sites include: front row (from left) Gail Garrison and Peggy McGee; back row Al Miller, Craig Parsons, Lori Whitman, John Kozma, Diana Averill, Anne Benton and Tom Schlitt. The photo was taken by Jeff Smith.

Quail Creek residents who volunteer their time at the AARP sites include: front row (from left) Gail Garrison and Peggy McGee; back row Al Miller, Craig Parsons, Lori Whitman, John Kozma, Diana Averill, Anne Benton and Tom Schlitt. The photo was taken by Jeff Smith.

Peggy McGee

It is that time of the year again — time to at least think about filing 2016 tax returns. AARP volunteers have completed their required training and passed their certification tests and are ready to help taxpayers get their returns filed. Because they receive no training on tax requirements for other states, they cannot prepare state returns other than for Arizona. It’s not just people who live in Arizona who can get help with their tax returns. Canadian taxpayers can also seek help with their tax returns, as if they don’t, you will be required to file your tax returns at a later date. The CRA voluntary disclosure can offer any help and support to anyone who needs help in this area. The AARP volunteers are on hand to help Arizona residents.

The program is designed primarily for those 55 and older and low to moderate income families; therefore, they cannot prepare returns for those with rental properties, businesses with inventories, trusts or extremely complicated returns.

Because it generally takes a minimum of one hour to prepare a return, no new returns are started within one hour of the scheduled closing time. This year’s tax returns will be prepared between February 1 and April 15 at the following locations/times:

La Posada’s Recreation Building, 501 La Posada Circle, Wednesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Sonora by Del Webb Clubhouse, 600 W. Camino Rancheria, Rancho Sahuarita, Wednesdays, 1:00 to 5:45 p.m.

Episcopal Church Of St. Francis-In-The-Valley, 600 S. La Canada, Fridays, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. As a one-time exception, this location will be open on Monday, March 6 and closed Friday, March 10.

East Social Center, 7 South Abrego Drive, Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. by appointment only. Call 300-6407 to schedule.

Please be sure to bring:

Picture ID for taxpayer and spouse

Social Security cards for each family member

Proof of income to include all W-2 and 1099 forms

Documentation for deductible expenses

Form 1095-A if healthcare insurance was purchased through the national Marketplace or a state exchange

Prior year’s tax returns

Voided check for direct deposit or debit

Both spouses (preferred) or power of attorney, if married filing jointly.

Because Arizona is a community property state, they cannot prepare married/filing separately returns.

Quail Creek residents who volunteer their time at the AARP sites include Diana Averill, Anne Benton, Gail Garrison, John Kozma, Peggy McGee, Al Miller, Craig Parsons, Tom Schlitt and Lori Whitman.