Friday, January 22, 2010

VITA/TCE Certified

Ok, my long term readers are probably thinking, hey, I've read this post before. True, last year about this same time I did post an article with this same title (see here). They may remember that I volunteered (that's the "V") to provide Income Tax Assistance to low-middle income people as well as Tax Care for the Elderly (see how I snuck the acronym in there?). I reported last year (here) that I did taxes for about 100 people.

Well, I'm back at it this year. I passed the basic exam one day earlier this year (simple coincidence) and have decided to step up a notch and took the intermediate exam. I passed that one too, so I will be allowed to do slightly more complicated exams this year. We start doing taxes on January 30 and continue until that magic day in April (which my family knows the reason for the magic). I will do taxes on Friday and Saturday afternoons (assuming I get the slots I requested).

This year there are a few changes. There's a new $400 ($800 for joint taxpayers) credit called Making Work Pay. It requires a new form, but it's relatively simple. (Special note to my son - you don't get it because you're my dependent.) And of course there's the first time home-buyers credit, but few of my expected clients are likely to qualify for that (likewise the follow-up home-buyers credit). I'm prepared just in case as I helped out one tax payer after the tax crush last year with their form 5405 and I'm expecting to help another in May of this year.

As usual, one of the most complicated forms is for Earned Income Credit. Sadly, the people who need the credit the most are the least likely to understand. I never even try to explain Advanced EIC. And I spent a lot of time this year trying to make sure I understand the tuition tax credits. Did you know there are FOUR different ways to claim tuition credits? And the law has changed (for the positive) on what you can claim. This credit helps those who are in school (or paying for someone in school). I think it's great because in theory, this will result in a future big income and support for me when I'm collecting Social inSecurity.

I did my own taxes on paper for a number of years. For most people, it's not that hard. You don't have to go to some store-front tax location (that will be gone after 4/15) and pay a few hundred dollars to get your taxes done. If they are that complicated, it's worth paying a REAL professional to have it done. If you need help, look for a VITA site near you (search on VITA on the IRS website). Avoid those Refund Anticipation Loans (see here for another reason to avoid them).

I'll report back here in April with a final comment.

5 comments:

Ashley Beth said...

Congrats on passing the intermediate level. I know who to call when I'm confused!

Neil said...

Good for you! I hope you enjoy it as much as you did last year.

Randy said...

Thanks Ashley and Neil.

Unknown said...

Randy,

Great blog. I saw your comment on Christian PF and liked it. It's nice to see people helping others on their taxes. I also liked what you had to say in another post on States rights.

I think I'll post some tax tips/thoughts on my blog Obsessed Analytic soon.

Look forward to reading more of your thoughts.
-Ryan

Randy said...

Ryan, yes, Christian PF (www.christianpf.com) is one of my new favorite blogs. Lots of good ideas.

I checked out your blog (find time. save money. have fun.) and I'll add it to my list. Your post on "how not to waste time at the bank" and "an easy way to save money on contact lenses" peaked my interest.