The Marshall County Retired and Senior Volunteer Program will be providing free income tax preparation and electronic filing for you again this year, which will allow most taxpayers to file not only their federal, but also their state return electronically. This service is available to any taxpayer regardless of age.

Preparation of individual income tax returns will be offered at the following locations during the tax season and no appointment is necessary:

- Albertville Rec Center - January 27- February 19 Mon, Wed & Friday 10am - 4pm
February 22 – April 12, Monday and Friday 10am – 2pm

- Arab Rec Center – January 27 - April 14 Tuesday 1-6pm & Wednesday 9am-1pm

- Boaz Public Safety Training Center (formerly Old Water Board across from the Farmer’s
Market) – February 1 - April 13 Monday & Tuesday 9am-3pm

- Guntersville Rec Center - January 28 – March 11 Tuesday & Thursday 9am - 4pm
March 16 – April 15 Tuesdays 9 – Noon and Thursdays 1 – 4pm

- Scottsboro Rec Com – February 2 - April 13 Tuesdays 10am – 5pm

The IRS and the Alabama Department of Revenue are encouraging all taxpayers to file electronically. You can file federal and state income taxes electronically for free through all of the sites listed above. When you come into the site, one of the assistors will help you to file an electronic return. With a joint return, both spouses must sign the return before it can be processed. If you owe money, electronic filing allows you to file your return the day it is prepared and you can wait until any time before April 15th to send in the money you owe. If you are receiving a refund, it can be processed more quickly by having the funds directly deposited into your bank account or into multiple accounts, such as checking, savings and retirement savings accounts. New this year volunteers can help you buy U.S. Series I Savings Bonds in even multiples of $50 up to a maximum of $5,000 with a portion of your refund. The balance of your refund must be direct deposited, not a paper check. You will receive the bonds by mail. The bonds will be issued in your name or both names if filing a joint return.

For the 2009 tax year most taxpayers will benefit by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) – refundable credit for employed and self-employed, economic recovery payment for retirees, no tax on the first $2,400 of unemployment compensation, based on income there is an increased tax credit for families with 3 or more children, first-time home buyers credit (must bring your settlement papers with you to file, this return cannot be electronically filed), energy credit, new vehicle purchase and more. RSVP volunteers will help taxpayers receive credits to which they are entitled.

If you have a tax question that can be answered by telephone, assistors will be available to help you any Monday in February (1st, 8th, 16th (Monday is a holiday), 22nd) from 10am-Noon at 256-571-7734.

This tax program, a volunteer income tax assistance program sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service, RSVP and United Way, offers special assistance to those with special needs, including older taxpayers, shut-ins and persons with disabilities. By calling 256-571-7734 to make an appointment, a tax assistor will help you with your tax return at any of the Senior Centers or Nursing Homes in Marshall County.

Fifty-two RSVP volunteers have completed an IRS training course in basic income tax preparation for Federal Form 1040 and Alabama forms, including accompanying Schedules A, B, C-EZ, D, EIC, SE and numerous Forms. These trained volunteers can alert taxpayers to special credits and deductions for which they may be eligible, such as Earned Income Credit, child tax, child care, education, retirement savings, and tax credit for the elderly.
Taxpayers who come for the free tax assistance should bring a photo ID, a copy of last year's federal and state tax returns, wage and earnings statements (Form W-2) from all employers, interest statements from banks (Form 1099), and if you want to itemize deductions, bring a list of your medical, interest, contribution, and miscellaneous expenses and a list of the taxes you paid. If you qualify for any of the ARRA credits, bring proof of payments. If you direct deposit, you will need a copy of a blank check to verify your account information.

Always bring social security cards for each person listed on your tax form (i.e., taxpayer, spouse, children, other dependents). This year you will be unable to file without Social Security cards for each person on your return.

Sites are all walk-in, first come, first served, no appointment. All tax preparation is done in strict confidence.