Tax help for seniors, disabled is available

If you live in Southeast Missouri and are 100% disabled or are age 65 and older, you qualify for help filing federal and state taxes, as well as property tax and rental credits.

AARP volunteers throughout the area have been training both in person and online to learn the new tax laws and to update their skills

Volunteers include district coordinator Debbie Lathum of Doniphan, a retired teacher, who has volunteered 27 years with the program since “I like to help people.”

Lathum enjoys using her accounting skills to help the seniors and disabled get their taxes prepared for free.

“Saving them money makes me feel good, being able to particularly help seniors,” Lathum added. “AARP does property tax credits and 1040 for seniors and low income individuals.”

Betty Newton of Van Buren is “exited about helping. We want to help the community. I enjoy working with people.”

Sites and days when they may take advantage of the program are:

• Dexter - First Church of The Nazarene (Inside Life Center), 714 E. Stoddard, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. every Wednesday through April 15.

• Kennett - First Christian Church, 105 W. Washington 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. each Monday until April 13.

• Malden - Malden Community Center, 607 S. Douglass St. 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. each Friday until April 10.

• Van Buren - Van Buren Nutrition Center, #16 Ball Park Road . 9 a.m. - noon each Monday until April 6.

• Poplar Bluff - Twin Towers, 8 to 11 a.m. each Tuesday and Thursday until April 9.

Organizers stress, property tax and renters rebates are determined on a sliding scale and the size of the household also helps determine if and how much the return may be. Those applying for the property tax credit or if they are applying for the rent rebate, must have the proper tax forms.

Requirements for the program include:

• Be 65 years old or 100 percent disabled, with a letter that proves your disability or Disabled Veterans Documentation.

• All proof of income (W2s, 1099s an interest income).

• Social Security cards.

• In case of rent you must have a verification of rent paid (Form 5674) from your landlord.

• 2019 Paid Real Estate receipts.

• Power of attorney or Federal Form 1310 and death certificates.

• Information of your landlord (name, address, phone number, Social Security or taxpayer identification number).

You must meet all the requirements in order to file your taxes, officials said.