Free tax assistance to area seniors and other residents at SAGE Eldercare

In a press release from SAGE Eldercare, they announced:

Free tax counseling and preparation for middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those who are 60 years and older, is available at SAGE Eldercare, located at 290 Broad Street in Summit, on Thursdays from Feb. 16 through April 12.  The assistance is provided by AARP as part of a national Tax-Aide program through its foundation in conjunction with the IRS.  Area residents in Essex, Morris, and Union counties do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use the service. 

During the nine-week program, SAGE will host trained volunteer tax preparers from AARP, who are trained by the IRS through the AARP Tax Aide program.

Registration for this service is required. Taxpayers should bring a copy of their 2010 Federal and State income tax returns; 2011 income tax packets; 2011 real estate tax bill; Federal information forms for 2011 (W-2 forms; SSA-1099 form; 1099s for interest, dividends and other income; 1099 for pension, annuity and IRA distribution; 1099-B forms for assets sold during the year); receipts or cancelled checks if itemizing deductions; and, Social Security numbers for dependents.  

This is a confidential service and preparation is by appointment only.  To avoid end of tax season rush, late February, early March appointments are encouraged.  For more information and to schedule an appointment, please call SAGE InfoCare at 908-598-5509.

SAGE Eldercare supports the independence, well-being and quality of life of older adults, their families and caregivers, through the provision of client-centered health, social and support services.  Founded in 1954, SAGE is both the oldest and one of the few nonprofit eldercare agencies in the United States that offers a broad and comprehensive array of services under one roof that assist elderly, often frail, adults to remain independent in their own homes.  SAGE Eldercare programs include: HomeCare; Meals on Wheels; Spend-A-Day Adult Day Health Center; InfoCare free information and referral service; Fall Prevention Initiative; Home Repair Service; Grocery Shopping and Errand Service; Bill Paying Service; PREP caregiver support group; and SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program).  SAGE Eldercare serves over 5,000 older people and their families annually in Union, Essex, Morris and Somerset counties.  For more information, call 908.273.5550 or visit www.sageeldercare.org.