LifeStyles of Maryland Foundation, Inc.

**PLEASE READ BEFORE SETTING UP YOUR APPOINTMENT!!!

 Free Tax preparation and filing for residents of Charles, Calvert, Prince George's and St. Mary's Counties!!!  By Appt Only!! 

**Schedule is subject to change depending on availability, inclement weather, and COVID-19 impact.   

Scheduling Appointments: Those interested in having their 2021 federal (and state) taxes prepared at one of our sites can call for an appointment or use Eventbrite to schedule:

o LifeStyles (in-person and drop-off methods): 301-609-9900 ext. 203/1-866-293-0623 (toll-free)

o St. Mary’s Public Library (Lexington Park): 301-863-8188; https://www.stmalib.org/events/calendar/

o Calvert County Public Library (Prince Frederick): 410-535-0291; https://calvertlibrary.libnet.info/events?a=adult&r=thismonth

o Prince George’s County site: 301-735-0121

• There is no charge for tax preparation services
• Program is for Maryland taxpayers with income below $57,414
• Copies of tax returns are only provided to the taxpayer
• In order for taxes to be completed, taxpayers must bring in the following:

1. Photo ID of taxpayer and spouse, if applicable
2. Social Security cards for everyone being claimed on the tax return
3. Income statements, i.e., W-2, 1099, 1098, etc.
4. Credit statements, i.e., child & dependent care expenses, educational expenses, retirement savings, qualified residential energy costs
5. Letter 6419 Child Tax Credit Payments (if you received payments in 2021)
   
6. Notice 1444-C Your Economic Impact Payment (Third payment received in 2021, normally $1400 per person)
   
7. Expense/Adjustment statements, i.e., student loan interest, travel expenses, etc.
8. Deduction statements (if itemizing), i.e., medical & dental expenses, charitable contributions, real estate taxes, etc.
9. Voided check or bank account/routing numbers (for direct deposit or debit of balance due)
10. Prior year tax return 

Types of Returns:

• Only basic tax returns are in our scope of service, which includes the following forms:
• Form 1040 (all versions; for amended returns – 1040X – the original 1040 must have been prepared at our site)
• Schedule A - Itemized Deductions
• Schedule B (limited) – Ordinary Dividends
• Schedule C (limited) – Business Income (up to $10,000 of business expenses)
• Schedule EIC – Earned Income Credit
• Form 2441 - Credit for Child & Dependent Care Expenses
• Form 8863 - Education Credits
• Form 8888 – Allocation of Refund (which includes Purchase of Savings Bonds)

We cannot do tax returns that include information regarding:

• Farm Income
• Rental real estate
• Excessive amounts of interest and dividends from investment accounts
• Schedule C with business Loss 

Refunds:

• Persons have the option of direct deposit, split refund, purchase of savings bonds, or direct debit of their return/balance
• This year there is a new law that requires the IRS to hold refunds claiming the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) until Feb. 15. In addition, the IRS wants taxpayers to be aware it will take several days for these refunds to be released and processed through financial institutions.
• If there are no delays in processing, returns can take up to 3 – 4 weeks for a direct deposit
• Persons can check with IRS for the status of their refund: www.irs.gov and click on “Where’s My Refund?” or 1-800-829-4477.

COVID Safety Measures: During in-person taxes, taxpayers and volunteers are required to properly wear face masks during the intake and appointment process. Tax preparers will be utilizing gloves to handle all taxpayer information. You are asked not to attend in-person and reschedule your appointment for any of the following reasons:

• If you are not feeling well or have symptoms of COVID-19;
  

• If you or someone in your household has tested positive within the last 10 days; or,
  
• If you are required to quarantine due to potential exposure of COVID-19.