TurboTax, HRBlock and others are tax services that are online. If there is a trusted person with a mobile phone who can sit with him while working through the app, scan or take pics of and upload his documents, and his taxes aren't too involved or complicated, this is a very inexpensive way of getting it done. If he had his taxes done last year by a firm, then it's possible they can accept his documents digitally, if he can work with a trusted person who has internet/wifi.
In Canada we have CVITP, a volunteer program run by community organizations under the CRA to prepare taxes for low income Canadians. We can do it remotely during Covid.
Otherwise last year and this, my accountant has does hands off returns.
Do they have a regular tax preparer. Mine is doing it by drop off. Any questions she has can be done by phone.
You can call Office of Aging and see if they know of anyone doing it. I recommended O of A before and the OP thought I meant they do taxes. They can only give u info, if they have it. Try United Way. They may have volunteers.
I think though you may have to drop off the info. You will need SS and pension W2s. Any property tax info if they own a house. If they rent, how much do they pay. 1099s if they have anything that they get interest on. If they have IRAs and are 72 or older, they should be paying taxes on that if not pulling it out to spend. (the institution holding the IRAs can help with this if not already set up) Will need copies of IDs and maybe SS card. If getting a refund, may want it direct deposited. Should include a copy of a check with Void on it. This way they get the bank routing # and the bank acct#.
Whether or not you have to drop off the paperwork depends on how the accountant/tax preparer/office has chosen to handle things this year. I’m in the most locked down state in the county and a lot of places here, including my own CPA, are scheduling in-person appointments. But that’s a moot point I supposed because the OP is looking for someone to come to him and he will probably be able to find someone.
My CPA is not seeing people in his office. He is sending out the simple tax forms and packet to our homes; we are filling in the needed information for him along with the bank and IRS statements, and returning them by mail to his office. If the Senior can do that with family help that might be an option. As to fee help that may exist and you may find it in your area by contacting your local Counsel on Aging. I hope others have some good ideas for you.
4 Answers
Helpful Newest
First Oldest
First
Otherwise last year and this, my accountant has does hands off returns.
ADVERTISEMENT
You can call Office of Aging and see if they know of anyone doing it. I recommended O of A before and the OP thought I meant they do taxes. They can only give u info, if they have it. Try United Way. They may have volunteers.
I think though you may have to drop off the info. You will need SS and pension W2s. Any property tax info if they own a house. If they rent, how much do they pay. 1099s if they have anything that they get interest on. If they have IRAs and are 72 or older, they should be paying taxes on that if not pulling it out to spend. (the institution holding the IRAs can help with this if not already set up) Will need copies of IDs and maybe SS card. If getting a refund, may want it direct deposited. Should include a copy of a check with Void on it. This way they get the bank routing # and the bank acct#.