Are you 65 or older (or under 65 and disabled)? Are  you a US citizen?  Are you a Single filer with an  adjusted gross income (AGI) less than $17,500?  Is the nontaxable portion of your Social Security or other nontaxable pensions, annuities, or disability income under $5,000?  You need to file Schedule R for a tax credit of $750! Read IRS Publication 524, Credit for the Elderly or Disabled or call 1-800-829-3676 and ask to have a copy mailed to you.

Don’t forget the IRS Helpline – 1-800-829-1040 or your nearest IRS Taxpayer Assistance Center.

If you need help filing your tax return or have questions, call 1-800-906-9887 for an IRS sponsored Tax Counseling for the Elderly. You will be provided free tax preparation and counseling if you are 60 or older and a low to middle income taxpayer. These days, most of us qualify and can use the help!

You don’t have to file your federal tax return if your gross income IS:

• For a Single person: less than $9,350 (over 64? less than $10,750)
• For Married filing jointly: less than $18,700 (one of you over 64? less than $19,800; both of you over 64? less than $20,900)
• For Head of Household: less than $12,000 (over 64? less than $13,400)
• For Married filing separately: any age, less than $3,650
• For Qualified Widow(er) with a dependent child: less than $15,500 (over 64? less than $16,150)

Don’t overlook your state tax requirements!   Use this link for state tax information.

Trish McIntire, an IRS Enrolled Agent in Arkansas, in her blog, reports that the IRS is “simplifying” our 2009 income tax filing procedure by discontinuing the use of three supporting tax forms associated with the short IRS Form 1040A.  She says that interest income over $1,500 will now be reported on Form 1040 Schedule B, Interest and Dividend Income (part of the longer IRS Form 1040) rather than Form 1040A Schedule 1. A similar substitution affects Form 1040A Schedule 2, Child and Dependent Care Expenses. In 2009, she says filers will use IRS Form 2441 (see IRS). The final filing change affects those seeking a credit for the elderly or disabled. The Form 1040A Schedule 3 form is replaced by Form 1040 Schedule R, Credit for the Elderly and Disabled (see IRS). I can’t express how excited I am that our government’s paperflow has been reduced by 3 IRS forms! While this definitely simplifies filing personal income taxes for some Americans, why don’t we save more paper, time, and money by simplifying the tax code for everyone?