A Real Deal On Taxes

The IRS announced it will start accepting tax returns on January 30 after most of the retroactive changes enacted on January 2 as part of the "fiscal cliff" deal are updated and programmed into their processing systems. If you claim certain credits, such as the residential energy credit and general business credits, or depreciation of property you'll have to wait to file, possibly until the first of March. The tax filing deadline is April 15.

AARP Foundation TaxAide is the nation's largest free, volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service. Many individuals - not just AARP members or seniors - can take advantage of free tax preparation, advice, and e-filing of federal and Virginia returns at a TaxAide site. The volunteers are trained and certified and most types of individual returns are within the program's scope.

In the central Shenandoah Valley, TaxAide has sites in Harrisonburg, Verona, Waynesboro, Lexington, and Lovingston. Days, hours, scheduling, and other specifics vary by site so be sure to check it out before just showing up at the door. To find the TaxAide site most convenient for you, check out the AARP TaxAide site locator. What's not to like about free?