Free tax assistance and free safety programs are designed for seniors

A new program, “Who’s Knocking at Your Door?” will be introduced on Mar. 6

Thanks to partnerships with other community organizations, Naperville Park District is able to offer both new and continuing free programs to benefit seniors.

Continuing a popular service, volunteer tax preparers in the AARP Tax-Aide Program will provide free tax filing assistance to seniors by appointment only. Appointments are available at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave., from February 4 through April 8, 2015.

Those interested in scheduling a 45-minute appointment for tax assistance may call the Naperville Park District at 630-848-3613. Membership in AARP is not required.

Like thousands of other volunteers across the country, the local AARP Tax-Aide volunteers complete training courses in aspects of tax law with materials supplied by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The volunteers provide free electronic filing services using IRS software that also is used by many paid professionals.

What’s needed to file tax returns?

Individuals who register for tax assistance are asked to bring all necessary paperwork to their appointment, including the following:

• Last year’s tax return and tax records
• A photo ID for each adult who will be listed on the tax return
• Proof of Social Security number (i.e., Social Security card, Social Security 1099 form, or  Medicare card) for each individual and dependent listed on the tax return
• Checking account routing number for direct deposit information
• Income documents, including W-2, 1099, etc.
• Information about tax-deductible items, including dependents, interest, real estate tax bill, state tax bill, charitable donation receipts, etc.
• Those who acquired healthcare coverage under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) must present Form 1095 showing proof of coverage

Tax assistance is one of many free and low-cost programs for seniors offered by the Naperville Park District.  Details can be found in the District’s Winter Program Guide or in the Senior Program Guide available online atwww.napervilleparks.org or at one of the following Naperville Park District facilities:

• Administration Building, 320 W. Jackson Ave.
• Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center, 305 W. Jackson Ave.
• 95^th Street Center, 2244 W. 95^th St.

Save the date!  Find out Who’s Really Knocking at Your Door? on March 6

New this year is a program entitled, “Who’s Really Knocking at Your Door?”

Participants will receive up-to-date information about how to avoid being a victim of a door-to-door scam.  Mayor George Pradel has been asked to help introduce the new program when it takes place at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center from 12:30-2:30PM on Friday, March 6. The program will include a fashion show of employees in uniform from businesses and government.

The presentation and refreshments are sponsored by Naperville and Lisle Townships TRIAD, a partnership of law enforcement, senior citizens and community groups. To register for this free program, visitwww.napervilleparks.org or call (630) 848-5000.