MEDIA RELEASE

Do you need help with your income tax return? You may want to visit a volunteer site. Trained community volunteers can help you with some tax credits for which you may qualify. And, this help is absolutely free.

This program offers help with preparation of basic Federal and Hawaii State income tax returns for those who cannot prepare their own tax returns and have low-to-moderate income. Special services are also available for the Armed Forces, elderly, persons with a disability or limited English speaking.

The volunteer return preparation program is sponsored by AARP Tax-Aide, Internal Revenue Service (IRS), State of Hawaii Department of Taxation, Armed Forces, Community Organizations/Coalitions, Educational & Financial Institutions.

The AARP Tax-Aide designated sites give special attention to those who are age 60 and older. Check this site listing for the volunteer site nearest you or, for the latest updates, call AARP Tax-Aide at 1-888-227-7669; or Aloha United Way at 877-275-6569.

Free electronic filing (IRS e-file) of your Federal and Hawaii State income tax returns is available at most volunteer sites. It is a fast and accurate way to file and get your refund in half the time. Direct Deposit of your Federal refund is FREE and goes directly into your bank account in about 7 to 10 days.

New for 2009 tax returns, use part of your refund to buy US Savings bonds and start building your future. See Form 8888, Direct Deposit of Refund to More Than One Account. If you owe tax, you can e~file early and electronically designate payment for a later date in a single step. Both spouses must be present to sign the tax return if Married Filing Jointly.

A nine-digit site identification number at the bottom of your tax return will identify your return as one of thousands prepared by trained volunteers. It in no way affects the likelihood of an IRS examination (audit) of your return.

What to bring with you

* Photo identification.
* Social Security Card(s) for each person shown on the tax return.
* Birth date(s) for each person shown on the tax return.
* Copy of last year’s Federal & Hawaii State income tax returns.
* Form(s) W-2, Wage (Earnings) Statement(s); W-2G, Gambling Winnings.
* Form(s) 1099-G, Unemployment, State Refund; 1099-INT/DIV, Interest & Dividends; 1099-MISC, Miscellaneous Income; 1099-R, Distributions from Pensions, IRAs; SSA-1099, Social Security Benefits; & any other income.
* For credits/deductions-dependent care expenses including Care Providers: name, address & Tax ID number; real estate (property) taxes paid; Form(s) 1098-T or E, Tuition or Student Loan Interest statement(s), etc.
* Bank Routing Transit Number (RTN) & your Account Number. Must show a bank check or document for verification of savings or checking account number to elect Direct Deposit of your refund (or to elect electronic funds withdrawal of your balance due).
* Documents/Info for tax breaks as related to the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) & more! Audios at www.irs.gov
* Amount of your Economic Recovery Payment received from SSA, Dept. of Veterans Affairs, and Railroad Retirement Board.

Most sites run through April 15; closed on state holidays. Subject to change without prior notification. AARP Tax-Aide = Special attention to age 60 & older; VITA = Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

* Captain Cook, Yano Hall — Wednesday, 9 AM – 12 Noon, Feb. 3 thru April 14 — AARP Tax-Aide. For Information, call 334-1212

* Hilo, CNHA — Feb. 4 thru April 17 — VITA. Appointment required, call Terri (800) 709-2642

* Hilo, Goodwill Industries — Wednesday, 4 PM – 7 PM, Feb. 3 thru April 7 — VITA. Appointment required, call (808) 756-0705

* Hilo, A & D Resource Center — Thursday, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM; Feb. 4 thru April 15 — AARP Tax-Aide. Appointment required, call (808) 961-8777

* Hilo, St. Joseph Church — Tuesday, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM; Feb. 2 thru April 13 — AARP Tax-Aide. Appointment required, call (808) 961-8777

* Kailua-Kona, AARP Info Center — Tuesday, 12 Noon – 6 PM; Feb. 2 thru April 13 — AARP Tax-Aide, Japanese & Tagalog spoken. Appointment required, call (808) 334-1212

* Kailua-Kona, Goodwill Industries — VITA. Appointment required,call Cassandra 808 315-1757

* Kailua-Kona, Hale Halewai Community Center — Thursday, 8 AM – 12 Noon; Feb. 4 thru April 15 — AARP Tax-Aide. For information, call (808) 334-1212

* Waimea, DLNR Hunter Education Bldg. — Monday & Thursday, 9 AM – 1 PM; Feb. 1 thru April 15 —AARP Tax-Aide. Appointment required, call Marge (808) 987-6340

* Waimea, Hawaii First Federal Credit Union — Feb.1 thru June 15 — VITA. Appointment required,call Mahealani (808) 885-6600

* Naalehu, Ka’u Federal Credit Union — Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday 9 AM – 12 Noon; Tuesday and Thursday, 1 PM – 4 PM; Jan. 19 thru April 15 — VITA. Appointment required, call (808) 929-7334