Free assistance completing state and federal tax forms will be available to area senior citizens beginning Feb. 1.
The Southwest Missouri Office on Aging annually provides assistance across 17 counties southwest Missouri. In Houston, free aid is available Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays by appointment by calling 417-967-4119.
Experts say even if you do not need to file state and federal tax returns, you may qualify for a Missouri rebate on rent expense, real estate tax or nursing home expense. IRS-certified volunteers are available to provide confidential assistance with completing the rebate claims under the MO-PTC program.
The following paperwork is needed to complete the tax paperwork:
––Last year’s tax return (if available).
––A cancelled check for direct deposit, if desired.
––All income statements (1099 Social Security statements, pension/retirement fund statements, interest dividends, W-2’s, etc.).
––Paid real estate property tax receipt or a statement of rent for 2012 (with landlord’s signature and Social Security number or Employer Identification Number).
––If your home is on more than 5 acres, or you own a mobile home, bring a statement (form 948) from the county assessor showing the homestead portion.
––If you are a 100 percent disabled veteran (or otherwise disabled), bring documents of proof.
Tax Counselors can determine if persons are eligible for the Missouri Property Tax Credit (housing expense) rebate. PTC rebates take into consideration real estate property tax, rent, mobile home lot rental, personal property tax on mobile homes and nursing home costs paid from personal resources. Applicants must have been 65 or older by Dec. 31, 2011, and they must have been a Missouri resident for the entire year of 2012, 60 or older if receiving surviving spouse Social Security benefits or 100 percent disabled.