Gathering Tax Documents for the Tax Return: Helping Your Elderly Loved One

Gathering documents for the tax preparer can be easy, orderly, and stress free for your elderly loved one when they have some simple assistance.

Choose a Tax Preparer

Does your loved one have a professional tax preparer? If not, it might be time to find one. Be sure you know that your paid tax preparer is qualified and whether they have the credentials required to represent you to the Internal Revenue Service.

This quick video from the IRS tells you how to choose a tax professional, and this directory will tell you the credentials of your potential tax preparer.

IRS-sponsored volunteer tax assistance programs like The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program offer free tax help to seniors and to low- to moderate-income people who cannot prepare their own tax returns. Call 888-227-7669 or use the VITA/TCE locator tool at this link.

Be sure your tax preparer is comfortable working with older adults.

Gather the Documents

Your tax preparer can give you a list of the documents you will need to gather. Ask for the list in advance, and gather and file the documents as they come in the mail.

The IRS also offers this list of essential documents. (This article was written in 2015, but we find the information is still helpful.)

Schedule, Prepare for and Attend Meetings with the Tax Preparer

Help your loved one schedule the meeting with their tax preparer, and help them take all the documents they will need. You might also be sure they have their checkbook and a couple of envelopes and stamps - in case they need to pay the tax preparer or make a current or future tax payment.

Be sure your loved one has their glasses and that their hearing aids are working!

Help Ensure Estimated Tax Payments are Made on Time

Find out from your tax preparer whether your loved one needs to make estimated tax payments. If so, ask your tax preparer for a suggested payment schedule and for the necessary payment coupons. Create a reminder to help your loved ones make the payments on time to avoid penalties later.

Beware of Tax Scams

Be aware of possible tax scams, cons, and frauds. The IRS provides information at this link.

How Care is There can help:

Are you a busy or long distance caregiver? Care is There can help! We can:

Help you choose a tax preparer
Find out what documents are needed for the tax return
Organize documents as they come in
Schedule, prepare for and attend meetings with the tax preparer
Help ensure estimated tax payments and tax filings are made on time
Be vigilant for tax scams

Resources for Tax Preparation:

IRS: Get Help with your Taxes

Next Steps

Contact Care is There today for a free consultation!

Central Virginia: 434.326.5323
Toll Free: 800.434.1633
Email: Info@CareisThere.com

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