Income Tax Filing Assistance
Taxes got you confused? The Shepherd’s Center’s Free Tax Assistance Program for low and moderate income seniors in Charlotte is again available through April 15, 2008. This program was started over 20 years ago and over the years has helped thousands of seniors.
To get the tax rebate stimulus checks, low income seniors must file a 2007 tax return. Generally, you have to have more than $3,000 in income to qualify to file. However, even if you do not have any earned income, you can still qualify for a stimulus tax-rebate check if your Social Security benefits, VA benefits, and/or railroad retirement benefits equal at least $3,000 annually.
To qualify, you must file a 2007 tax return on IRS forms 1040 or 1040A with the IRS, even if your income is normally low enough that you are not required to file. In most cases, payments will range from $300 to $600.
In 2008 The Shepherd’s Center is offering tax filing assistance three days a week to help you prepare and file Federal and State income tax returns. Our traditional paper filing, led by John Travell and our group of experienced volunteers, is available on Fridays from 9:30—3:00 p.m. at Myers Park Baptist Church.
For those who desire electronic filing assistance, we will also be making appointments for AARP Tax Aide e-filing from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9:30-11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at Myers Park Baptist Church.
All volunteers have taken the IRS Tax Counseling for the Elderly test. We are currently still setting appointments. The tax season runs to mid-April.
Please call 704.365.1995 to set up your appointment. And, remember to bring all necessary information, a copy of last year’s return, and your 1040 or 1040A if you have not been filing so you can collect the tax rebate stimulus check.
S. H. I. I. P.
(Senior Health Insurance Information Program)
Help in Understanding Medicare
and other forms of Health Insurance for Seniors
Every week trained volunteers of retirement age are available to discuss and explain Medicare (including problems with Medicare), Medicare Supplements and Long Term Care Insurance. These choices are particularly important for those about to turn age 65 but anyone at any age may want free, impartial information authorized by the NC Department of Insurance through its Senior Health Insurance Information Program. Here are your tax dollars at work – make them work for you.
Counselors Needed!
SHIIP counselors enjoy helping their peers navigate the complexities of choosing health insurance and prescription drug plans and addressing other health insurance issues. If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity that is both satisfying and challenging, consider training to be a SHIIP counselor. Training is provided through the NC Department of Insurance. Ability to use a computer is necessary. Please contact Karen Eckert, Program Director.
Need a Health Care Power of Attorney or Living Will?
Ms. Robin Fulp, Advanced Care Planner, at Presbyterian Hospital has forms for Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will and will notarize completed forms free of charge. Call Robin for an appointment at 704.384.5302 or 704.384.4158. You can also pick up forms for Health Care Power of Attorney and Living Will at Shepherd’s Center.
Financial Planning
People of retirement age need timely information to make decisions which protect fixed retirement incomes. The Shepherd’s Center Charlotte offers financial planning courses throughout the year to meet this need.
Information about upcoming courses and events will be posted on this site, in the Newsletter and also can be obtained by calling The Shepherd’s Center of Charlotte at 704.365.1995.