Tax time is here! The AARP Tax-Aide Program, a free tax preparation service for low- and middle-income taxpayers with special attention to those age 50 and up, will be offered again this year at the YMCA Senior Center, 400 East Calhoun Street in Macomb, beginning February 6th. The service will be available on Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings. You do not have to be an AARP member to receive service. This program provides IRS certified volunteers who will assist with the preparation of basic, personal federal and Illinois returns. Appointments are required and can be made by calling the YMCA Senior Center at 309-837-5733. We can only deal with returns that are in-scope under the AARP guidelines. It is anticipated that simple returns will be done while you wait.
More time-consuming returns will require a return visit. Returns will be filed electronically.
Who needs to file? In general, if you are single, over age 65, and your non-Social Security income is more than $17,750, or if you had any income tax withheld, you need to file.
If you are filing jointly, that amount needs to exceed $34,700. For those under age 65, the numbers are lower. If you are unsure if you need to file, leave your name and number and someone will discuss your situation with you.
What is new this year? If you qualify for a refund, and want a check sent to you, there will be a substantial delay. The IRS is phasing out sending checks. It is strongly recommended that refunds be directly deposited to a checking or savings account. Amounts owed can still be paid by check but again direct deposit is safer and faster. You can specify the date (up to April 15) when the money comes out of your account if you owe.
There are new deductions for tips, overtime, taxpayers age 65+, and interest paid when financing a new car purchased in 2025. There are rules for each of these deductions. The Residential Energy Credit is eliminated after 2025.
Before your appointment you need to stop by the Senior Center to pick up an intake form and a set of instructions. There are also worksheets for tips, overtime, new car interest paid, and self-employment income. You need to bring identification and the filledout intake form with you to your appointment. Bring all relevant documents you received including those that come in envelopes stating “important tax return document enclosed,” information on any other income, and a copy of last year’s return, if available. If you paid property tax, bring that bill.
