Helpful Information and Items

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Vita Program offers free tax help to low to moderate income (generally $42,000 and below) people hwo cannot prepare their own tax returns. Certified volunteers sponsored by various organizations receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in communities across the country. Most location also offer free electronic filing. VITA is a program of the Internal Revenue Service.

The Western Connecticut Area Agency on Aging located at 84 Progress Lane in Waterbury, will be a VITA host site for income tax preparation for those 60 yeras of age and older. They will start preparing your income taxes as of February 1, 2009. You are advised to call for an appointment as soon as possible. Please call Judy, at (203) 757-5449 to schedule an appointment.

If married, both husband and wife should be present during an income tax counseling session. Taxpayers must bring in all the documents that have been received that apply to their 2008 income taxes including:

  • Copies of 2007 income tax forms
  • Social Secutiry numbers for all household members and personnel identification
  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and any dependents
  • A check with a routing number for a direct deposit refund request
  • All 2008 income report forms that have been received
  • All 1099 forms
  • W2, Wage and Statement forms
  • Interest and dividend statements from banks
  • W2G, Certain Gambling Winning Forms, if applicable
  • Original cost of assests sold during 2008, if applicable

    • FREE WHEELCHAIR RAMPS

    The Jessie Lee Church Appalachian Service Project is building wheelchair ramps in a few months and will be giving them away again.

    For more details, go to their website www.jessieleeasp.org. Follow the directions there to measure your home and order sections as needed. Using the online application is best. Faxes get lost.

    People have to have access to a large truck and a couple of strong people to pick up the ramp sections in Ridgefield, CT.

    WAYS TO CUT EXPENSES

  • Switch to lower-cost drugs (generics or older brand names) as long as your doctor says they will work well for your medical condition.
  • Apply for Extra Help: If your 2008 income is under about $15,600 (single) or $21,000 (married), call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or go to www.ssa.gov and click on "Medicare" under "Questions".
  • Find low-cost programs: Go to www.needymeds.org for contact information on drug assistance programs and free or low cost health clinics. Go to www.benefitscheckup.org to see if you qualify for federal, state or local benefits that help lower living expenses. Go to www.pparx.org or call 1-888-477-2669 toll free to apply for free or low-cost medications from drug companies' patient assistance programs.