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.
Before you go: be sure to read my disclaimer. Remember, I’m a lawyer and we love disclaimers.
If you have a question, here’s how to Ask The Taxgirl.
In reference to the small Southern town, being a ‘senior’ has its priviledges. In no way do I consider myself in the same league as the 20-30 somethings, nor do I want to be. An early product of the baby-boomers, I am utterly amazed at what the next generation will have to do when they reach “over 55”.
In the South, age used to be badge of honor for survival (kids, war, health issues, etc.), and most families treat their “over 55” with respect and relevance, some almost in hero or saint role. So folks, don’t discredit those of us who are approaching sainthood in the eyes of their grandkids, or at least in most families.
Another point, businesses recognize the buying power of the baby-boomers oing massively down the pike. That “Senior Discount” stand up and take it. It shows businesses you appreicate their recognition of your buying power.
Why do you think AARP does so well, financially and has political pull in Washington. There is power in numbers, unified in a cause.
I volunteer at an AARP tax-aide site and we don’t have any limits on income or age for those we assist in e-filing both their federal and state tax returns. There are some forms like Schedule C and Schedule E that we don’t do so if your return requires the use of these forms we won’t be able to help you. These tax-aide sites are all over the country. To find a tax-aide site near you, use the link that follows:
https://locator.aarp.org/vmis/sites/tax_aide_locator.jsp
One of the requirements for FreeFile, which is preparation AND e-filing is that your adjusted gross income (this is not necessarily gross income) is $56,000 or less in 2008. There is NO age limit. AARP and some other places do provide free prep for any income level, but NOT e-filing. The IRS set this limit to encourage those may not be able to afford e-filing fees to use e-file. I have a feeling that the person who asked this question is more interested in getting the free e-file than prep.
I love this blog, thanks for all the tips on how to find cheap/free efiling for my partner (over 55) who works when he can which is not that frequently and he certainly can’t/shouldn’t have to pay to get his money back. Turns out there’s one this sunday at our local library.
E-filing saves the government whopping chunks of change compared to the costs of processing paper forms; there’s no reason why *anyone* should have to pay for this service – we *already* paid for it with our collective tax dollars.
I have a question: Why does Turbotax advertise up to 5 free efiles? How many times do you need to efile? I thought once was enough? Surely they’re not encouraging 5 different people to use the same $35 software? Is that if maybe you own abusiness and need to file separately? If I had a business that made any kind of money, I’d be using an accountant.
I also work as an AARP tax aide. We have computer sites which provide free e-filing and paper sites to prepare a return to be sent in (we don’t provide postage, so, please, don’t ask). Since the IRS provides training and testing materials for our certification, we cannot discriminate on age. In fact, we could get in trouble with the IRS for attempting to do so. All tax preparation is by appointment, so, the earlier you call to schedule, the better. The only caveat is that if you’re getting a 1099 from a brokerage account, don’t set up your appointment for a date prior to Feb. 15th — you may not have all the information you need.
Bill, yes, they (TurboTax) are encouraging users of their tax prep software to use it for more than one return. The same is true of the TaxCut software by H and R Block. And, at most places, the versions that provide for free e-filing the cost is more like $49. There are some $5 rebate coupons available. It costs very little to produce each software DVD and provide the e-file so in order to get people to buy software when there are a lot of sites that offer free software they allow the free e-files.