February-April 2021
AARP will provide LIMITED income-tax assistance by appointment only at two FBCL locations – George Memorial Library in Richmond and the Cinco Ranch Branch Library in Katy -- in a new, virtual format with social distancing and minimal contact in observance of COVID-19 guidelines.
Please read all instructions carefully. The instructions are different for each location.
You must pick up and complete an information/instruction packet prior to scheduling an appointment for AARP tax-assistance at the Cinco Ranch Branch Library or George Memorial Library. A limited number of packets will be available for pick-up at these two locations ONLY.
Once you have your packet, you must bring the following to your scheduled appointment:
• COMPLETED Form 14446 (included);
• COMPLETED Intake Sheet – Form 13614-C (included);
• Social Security cards for every person on the return;
• Photo IDs for every person on the return;
• Previous year’s tax return;
• Checking or savings account number and routing (voided check preferred);
• Government & other relevant documents.
To prepare documents for scanning:
• Take all documents out of their envelopes;
• Remove all staples and unfold pages;
• Do not include any duplicates or extra pages;
• Do not include multiple receipts for expense items. Summarize by category on a separate sheet of paper.
General information is available at: https://www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide, or call 1-888-227-7669 for information on other locations in your area where AARP income-tax assistance is available.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR GEORGE MEMORIAL LIBRARY
(Feb 8-early Apr)
1. To pick up a packet: Call the AARP representative for George Memorial Library at (281) 846-5342 to schedule an appointment to pick up an information/instruction packet. Appointments will be on Mondays/Wednesdays/Saturdays only.
2. On your scheduled date/time to pick up your packet: Arrive at the library, park in the south (side) parking lot, and meet the AARP representative at the side entrance of the building to receive a packet. Please wear a mask. Return home to complete your packet with the information needed for your income-tax return.
3. To return the packet: Call the AARP representative at (281) 846-5342 to schedule an appointment to return the packet to the same location. Appointments will be on Mondays/Wednesdays/Saturdays between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm.
4. On your scheduled appointment date/time to return your packet: Arrive at the library, park in the south (side) parking lot, and meet the AARP representative at the side entrance of the building. Please wear a mask. He/she will meet you at the door to collect your packet. The AARP representative will call you with any questions or to inform you when your income-tax return is ready to be picked up from the same location.
5. For questions about AARP Income-Tax Assistance at the George Memorial Library location: (281) 846-5342 or email TX3D01@aarpfoundation.org.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CINCO RANCH BRANCH LIBRARY
(Feb 8-early Apr)
*** In all contacts with AARP counselors at the Cinco Ranch Branch, a codeword will be used to verify the counselor’s identity. If you are contacted by someone who doesn’t know the codeword, hang up. ***
1. To pick up a packet: Information/instruction packets are available for pick up on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of packets are available. Pick up the packets from a box located outside the front door of the library. The box will be replenished weekly.
2. Complete your packet with the information needed for your income-tax return.
3. To return the packet: Call (832) 657-1934 to schedule an appointment to return the packet to the same location. Appointments will be scheduled for Mondays, between 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm.
4. On your scheduled appointment date/time to return your packet: Park near the building, but not in the library’s curbside pick-up spots; call (832) 657-1934 to let the AARP team know you have arrived. Remain in your vehicle, and a representative will come to your vehicle to collect your packet. Please wear a mask.
5. The AARP representative will take your documents to be scanned to a secure AARP database, and then return the documents to you before you leave. Your income-tax return will be prepared by AARP’s certified counselors offsite using an AARP computer and secure practices.
6. An AARP counselor will phone you to review the completed income-tax return and confirm a second scheduled time to pick up and sign the return.
7. On your scheduled appointment date/time to pick up your completed return: Park near the building, but not in the library’s curbside pick-up spots; call (832) 657-1934 to let the AARP team know you have arrived. Remain in your vehicle, and a representative will bring your completed income-tax return to you for signature. Please wear a mask.
8. For questions about AARP Income-Tax Assistance at the Cinco Ranch Branch Library location: (832) 657-1934 or CincoRanchtaxaide@gmail.com
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Other alternatives:
Virtual Tax-Preparation assistance through AARP is available countywide by contacting any of these options (this assistance is ONLY available virtually; there is NO in-person assistance):
• email: S58051607@aarpfoundation.org; phone: (281) 346-3138
• email: S58051151@aarpfoundation.org; phone: (802) 585-1607
• email: S58051605@aarpfoundation.org; phone: (281) 886-8352
The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax-return preparation to qualified individuals.
The VITA program offers free tax help to:
• People who generally make $57,000 or less;
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers
who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.
In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
While the IRS manages the VITA and TCE programs, the VITA/TCE sites are managed by IRS partners and staffed by their volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with non-profit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
Click here for more information and locations.
Revised Feb 5, 2021 (1:40 pm)