An update from Rep. Ingraham

While February has a number of special days such as Ground Hog Day, Valentine’s Day, Presidents Day and, of course, a day set aside for the Super Bowl, it’s also a month in which we receive our W-2’s, 1099’s and tax forms. Just a reminder that income tax season has arrived, bringing with it bitter-sweet moments.

Sweet if you have your CPA, or tax preparer on board and your papers, receipts and forms are gathered; bitter if you’re just beginning to gather together your records and looking for help with your tax preparation. Ah, and then that bitter-sweet moment when this yearly undertaking is finished and you finally know the bitter-sweet moment of a refund or not!

For those of you who are just beginning the tax preparation process and looking for a place to start, in addition to your local tax preparers, there are a few available resources which might help you as well.

The Internal Revenue Service’s website, www.irs.gov, provides you with income tax forms, publications, help and resources plus your refund status and filing options. In addition you can access information on the Free File Program at www.taxact.com for free IRS filing. You can also call 1-800-829-1040 for assistance.

The State of Montana has a website you can access called MontanaFreeFile.org which provides a listing of available resources and internet connections that will help you find things such as tax site locations, how to file your return and available programs such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

For further information you will need to access the above referenced websites or you can call 1-800-666-6899 with your questions.

AARP Tax-Aide Montana is a program in partnership with the IRS where the AARP offers free tax preparation to low and moderate income people, with preference to taxpayers age 60 and older. You can access “Tax Site Locations” at their website at http://montanafreefile.org by or calling 1-888-227-7669 to find a location near you and to find who qualifies for these services.

Two such “Tax Site Location” under the AARP Tax-Aide Montana program is Sanders County include the Thompson Falls Senior Center, located at 1191 MT Silcox Road, Thompson Falls, Montana and the Hot Springs Senior Center, 101 Main Street, Hot Springs, Montana. Services are provided by appointment only. For a Thompson Falls Senior Center, tax assistance is available on Tuesday, March 11 and March 25, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. by appointment only. Please call 827-3457 to schedule an appointment. For the Hot Springs Senior Center, tax assistance is available on Wednesdays, from February 26 through April 2 from 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. by appointment only. Please call 741-2344 to schedule an appointment.

I hope the bitter moment (so to speak) of filing your taxes returns brings forth a refund that would indeed be a sweet moment to enjoy!

Now it’s your turn to “Keep in Touch” by contacting me regarding your questions or concerns. I can be reached via e-mail at pathd13@blackfoot.net, or call me at 827-4652 or by mail at P.O. Box 1151, Thompson Falls, Montana 59873.