WHAT WE DO

WITHIN SCOPE — what we CAN do for you

AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselors are trained to assist in preparing basic tax returns.  Please check the list below before calling for your appointment:

FORMS/ SITUATIONS:

  • Wages, Retirement income, Social Security benefits
  • 1040 returns with Schedules A, B, and D (Itemized Deductions, Interest and Ordinary Dividends, and Capital Gains and Losses)
  • Self-Employment Schedule C (Profit and Loss from Business) within limits (sole proprietor, expenses do not exceed $35,000, no employees, no inventory, net profit only/no losses, no depreciation, etc.)
  • Earned Income Credit and EIC Worksheets
  • Estimated tax payments
  • Child and Dependent Care expenses
  • Repayment of First Time Home Buyer Credit
  • Charitable cash contributions
  • Non-cash contributions to charity exceeding $500 but less than $5000
  • Nondeductible IRA contributions or distributions (not in scope for Roth distributions)
  • Credit for Qualified Retirement Savings Contributions
  • Additional Child Tax Credit
  • Education credits and expenses
  • Sale and other Dispositions of Capital Assets (in scope for most situations reported on a brokerage statement 1099-B)
  • Installment Agreement Request if full amount owed to IRS cannot be paid
  • Injured Spouse Allocation form to release a joint return refund from a past due obligation
  • Schedule K-1 that provides information only for interest, dividends, capital gain distributions, and royalties (Schedule B, D, E)
  • Cancellation of nonbusiness credit card debt
  • Health Savings Accounts (scope limited) *
  • Reconciliation of Healthcare Premium Tax Credit
  • Amended Returns (1040X) ( Years 2020, 2021, 2022 only)*
  • Maryland State tax returns
  • Digital Assets (Limited Scope):  In scope only if Digital Asset:
    • Was only held in a wallet or account
    • Was transfered between accounts/ wallets that you own
    • Was purchased in 2023 using real currency
    • Was received as an inheritance or gift
    • Note that all other actions with Digital Assets are OUT of SCOPE

* As time permits and, on a case-by-case basis.  District Coordinator only.

Under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers must stay in the scope of the program and do those returns for which they have received training.  In no instance will a counselor complete a return that is out of scope of the Program or for which he or she feels they do not have adequate training or knowledge.