The city of Phoenix Human Services Department has launched its Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) campaign to help low- and moderate-income working families who earned less than $53,000 in 2014 with free tax-filing services and an EITC tax credit up to $6,143.
Individuals and families who qualify also may be able to file for the child tax credit, dependent care credit and the education tax credit at the city’s free tax preparation sites, scheduled to open on Jan. 31.
Fourteen primary sites, located in Phoenix, offer free tax-filing services. A list of Phoenix sites, including hours and days of operation, is available at phoenix.gov/eitc. It is important to note that hours and days of operation vary for different locations.
Taxpayers must bring a picture ID for themselves and spouse, Social Security cards and/or Individual Tax Identification Number cards for all household members, proof of income—including W-2s and 1099 Retirement Income—information for other income, 1095-A verification of medical insurance premium tax credit, verification of all deductions/credits and the amount of money paid to child care provider (if applicable). If filing jointly, both adults must be present to sign the return.
For information about the city of Phoenix EITC program, call 1-877-211-8661.
In addition, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program also will provide free assistance with tax preparation for those with low to moderate income. People do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure their knowledge of revisions to the U.S. tax code. The program will be offered this year at more than 70 sites statewide including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.
Preparation of tax returns under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules will require additional documentation from taxpayers this year. The good news is that for taxpayers on Medicare or Medicare Advantage, for the full year, no further information is required. However, for those not on Medicare or Medicare Advantage, taxpayers will need to bring along their family’s health insurance coverage information including information about Marketplace/Exchange purchases and health care exemptions.
For more information on the documentation that is required, or to locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site, visit www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).
