Senator McLachlan Encourages Elderly to Seek Free Tax Help

State Senator Michael McLachlan (R-24) today said that as residents get ready to file their federal and state income tax returns, they may want to see if they can have them prepared for free.

“The AARP and Internal Revenue Service have a free tax assistance program for the elderly and low-income individuals,” Sen. McLachlan said. “From the end of January through mid-April, professionally-trained volunteers throughout the state of Connecticut help qualified residents prepare their state and federal income tax returns and can even help set up direct deposit of the refund payments.”
Sen. McLachlan said the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program recruit volunteers, including former accountants and college accounting students, and provides them training on the latest income tax returns and latest changes for resident income tax filers. VITA and TCE then schedule events at local town halls, senior centers, and other public locations where residents can bring their information to have their returns filed.

“If people don’t already know where a VITA or TCE tax preparation location is in their community, they can contact the United Way of Connecticut for help,” Sen. McLachlan said. “By calling Infoline 211, they can find a location, schedule an appointment, and learn what information they must bring in order to have their returns prepared correctly. If you are not a senior, they can tell you if you qualify for free help under the income guidelines.”

VITA and TCE volunteers also prepare Earned Income Tax Assistance forms and can tell filers if they meet the requirements for that program.

Sen. McLachlan said resident can get more information by contacting the United Way, or by visiting the AARP website or the IRS website.