Tackling Taxes?

The April 15 deadline to file your taxes is creeping closer. Need a little guidance and direction getting your taxes prepared and filed? Several organizations and agencies can assist — sometimes for free.
    The Comptroller of Maryland’s staff helps by phone (800-MD-TAXES), email ([email protected]) or in person at one of the branch offices in Annapolis, Upper Marlboro or Waldorf.
    Tackling taxes on your own? Find most of your answers at IRS.gov. Get a tax transcript, make a payment, resolve a notice, obtain a form or publication or ask about refunds. If your adjusted gross income is $60,000 or less, you can use the Free File program: 800-829-1040 (M-F 7am-7pm).
    The IRS Annapolis Taxpayer Assistance Center can help if you need person-to-person advice. Call 844-545-5640 to schedule an appointment Fridays only until April 1.
    Volunteer Income Tax Assistance offers free tax help to those making $53,000 or less, persons with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need help preparing their returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return prep: 410-222-7000.
    Tax Counseling for the Elderly offers free tax help for all taxpayers, particularly those 60 years and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues.
    Trained AARP volunteers visit Anne Arundel County’s Crofton Library (March 14, 9am-noon), and Broadneck Library (March 15, 1-3pm) to answer tax questions and assist with income tax preparation. By appointment: 410-222-7915 or at the branch.
    In Calvert County, tax aide counselors offer no-cost electronic prep and filing of individual federal and state tax returns for low- to moderate-income, working seniors (50+) at the three county senior centers by appointment M-W. Calvert Pines Senior Center: 410-535-4606; North Beach Senior Center: 410-257-2549; Southern Pines Senior Center: 410-586-2748. Calvert Pines Senior Center is also takeingappointments for Saturday, April 2.
    Calvert Cash provides free tax services to anyone earning less than $60,000 annually: www.endhungercalvert.org/programs/calvert-cash/ or leave a message at 410-257-5672.
    New this year is LifeStyles of Maryland, which provides free assistance to those earning less than $53,000 annually: 301-609-9900; www.lifestylesofmd.org.