AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites across North Dakota are open and ready to help people prepare their 2014 tax returns. This service is available to middle- and low-income taxpayers of all ages with special attention to those 60 and older.
You do not have to be an AARP member to take advantage of this free service, says Muriel Peterson of Bismarck, volunteer state coordinator of Tax-Aide in North Dakota.
IRS-certified volunteers are trained to assist in filing accurate returns and help taxpayers receive all of the benefits, credits, and deductions to which they are entitled. All AARP Tax-Aide sites e-file returns, also at no cost, which helps taxpayers get refunds quickly. Every taxpayer’s return is quality reviewed and all information is kept confidential.
Last year in North Dakota more than 8,200 people were helped with their federal and state tax returns. This year more than 100 volunteer preparers and client facilitators will staff 11 sites across the state.
Communities with Tax-Aide offices are:
- Bismarck – Senior Center, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday, Friday and Saturday; 1-7 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and 1-5 p.m. Wednesday, beginning Feb. 2.
- Devils Lake – A new AARP Tax-Aide site will open at Christ Free Lutheran Church. Watch for starting date and times in the local newspaper or check for updates here.
- Dickinson – Public Library, 1-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, beginning Feb. 3.
- Fargo -
- Olivet Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday and Friday, beginning Feb. 2.
- Hjemkomst Center (Moorhead), 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Thursday, beginning Feb. 5.
- Christ the King Lutheran Church (Moorhead), 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday, beginning Feb. 2.
- Grand Forks – Campbell Library (East Grand Forks), 1-4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, beginning Feb. 3.
- Mandan – Public Library, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Monday, Thursday and Saturday; 5:30-8 p.m. Thursday, beginning Feb. 2.
- Minot – American Red Cross, 2021 4th Ave. NW, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Friday and Saturday by appointment only, beginning Feb. 2. Call 701-509-1446 only between 5-7 p.m. weekdays to make an appointment.
- Wahpeton – Senior Center, 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday beginning Feb. 10 by appointment only. Call 701-642-5746 to make an appointment.
- West Fargo – Faith Lutheran Church, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday; 6-8:00 p.m. Tuesday, beginning Feb. 3.
Individuals should ensure that they have all of the documents they need to file before coming to a Tax-Aide site, including Social Security cards, a photo ID, and a copy of last year’s tax returns. The list of recommended forms to bring with to the Tax-Aide office is below.
Volunteer tax counselors are not trained to handle all tax forms. If your return is determined to be too complex, you may need to seek another qualified counselor or paid tax assistance.
AARP Tax-Aide sites will remain open through the April 15 tax deadline.
AARP Tax-Aide began in 1968. It is the nation’s largest, free, volunteer-run tax preparation service, where volunteers commit their time and talents to help their neighbors. The AARP Foundation administers AARP Tax-Aide in cooperation with the IRS.
Here is the list of recommended forms to bring with to the Tax-Aide site:
- Photo ID for yourself and spouse
- Social Security card for yourself, spouse and all dependents
- Copy of last year’s income tax return
- Any of the following you’ve received:
- W-2 forms from each employer
- Unemployment compensation statements
- 1099-SSA form if you receive Social Security
- All 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-R, 1099-SSA, etc.)
- Documentation showing original purchase price of sold assets (e.g. stocks, bonds)
- 1099-misc. showing any miscellaneous income
- All forms indicating federal and state income tax paid
- If itemizing deductions, receipts or canceled checks totaled by category (medical, charity, house taxes, etc.)
- Dependent/child care provider information (name, employer, ID, Social Security number)
- If itemizing, statement showing real estate tax paid in 2014
- If you have a Health Savings Account: form 5498-SA and 1099-SA
- New for 2014: form 1095-A
- Manufacturer certificate and sales agreement for “energy efficient” home improvements
- Checkbook or savings account passbook with account and routing numbers for direct deposit of any refund.
