Taxpayer asks:
I went to the website that you referred to for free e-file. Why is it that the free e-file websites have a 55 year age limit and gross income cap of $56,000. Why is there nothing available (for free) for people over 55 with a combined income over $56,000? I even called the IRS hotline thinking that perhaps they could direct me to a website that I might be able to use, and they seemed to be unaware of the age and income limit.
Taxgirl says:
Try the AARP. You can find their contact info in this post that I wrote for Seniors Support. I am not 100% sure what the age limits are for the tax services but since the AARP is open to those who are age 50 and above, I’m guessing that’s the magic number.
And despite what the rep at the IRS hotline says, there are special filing sites for seniors. I know because I volunteered at one (at our local senior center) for eons. Try calling (again) the IRS at 1-800-829-1040 and specifically ask for a Tax Counseling for the Elderly site near you. They should be able to give you a contact number – you can ask about income limits when you call the TCE site directly.
Finally, don’t send me any nasty emails about calling those folks over 55 seniors. I didn’t. The post is titled “Tax Help for those over 55″ because that’s the subject of the reader’s question. I do not claim to know when it’s appropriate to call someone “senior.” I do know that there are a couple of folks in a certain small southern town who are pleased as punch when senior means relatively young at a restaurant buffet (especially if crab legs are on said buffet)… So don’t get irritated and send me nasty emails for calling anyone a “senior” too early. Just consider this a buffet of tax advice.
Like any good lawyer, I need to add a disclaimer: Unfortunately, it is impossible to give comprehensive tax advice over the internet, no matter how well researched or written. Before relying on any information given on this site, contact a tax professional to discuss your particular situation.
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