Tax season can be stressful, even more so during a pandemic. You know how it goes: trying to organize piles of receipts and tax documents, attempting to complete puzzling forms, hiring a reputable and trustworthy accountant, and finishing all this by mid-April.
It can be even more stressful for those who have a visual impairment since most paperwork comes in small print that is difficult to read.
It can require finding an honest and trustworthy person to help you sort through private and financial information. To prepare your taxes online, ensure that websites and tax preparation software are accessible. So, how do you get ready for tax season?
These are tax tips for the visually impaired community to help relieve some of the stress and frustration.
Get organized
Get organized before you file your taxes. Gather your receipts, paycheck stubs, medical and IRS forms. Use file folders with either braille or large print labels. Use magnification devices or adaptive technology to read and scan documents for arranging, marking, labeling, and organizing. This is especially important if you will itemize your income tax deductions.
Decide how to file
Decide your filing method after you organize your paperwork. Will you do your own filing or hire an accountant to do the work? If you decide to file your own tax return, the IRS has accessible forms that you can download from their website.
The forms are available in large print, braille, or ASCII text and HTML versions for assistive technology users. E-filing is also an option. However, although popular, many e-filing sites are not entirely accessible with screen readers or magnification software.
Before using an online tax program, ensure you can easily navigate it using your adaptive technology. If you need assistance with adaptive technology to access these websites, contact Outlook Enrichment’s adaptive technology trainers or utilize virtual assistant smartphone apps like Be My Eyes and AIRA.
Hire an accountant
If you hire an accountant, ask your family and friends for recommendations. Word of mouth is often the best form of referral. Additionally, the IRS has great advice on hiring a credible accountant.
Once hired, ask them to prepare your taxes using large print forms or electronic format so you can review your return before you sign it. Take the time with the accountant to review the tax form once it has been completed to be sure everything is correct. Although you are getting an accountant to file your taxes, you are still responsible for filing your return. Additionally, get a written guarantee of service so that if there are errors in filing, you know who is responsible and how those errors will be corrected.
Free tax help with AARP
If you want free tax assistance, the AARP Tax-Aide Program offers tax preparation help under COVID-19 in three ways: virtual, document drop-off, and in-person, all with a scheduled appointment.
Tax-aide volunteers are located nationwide, trained, and IRS-certified every year to ensure they are updated on the latest changes and additions to the tax code. Please schedule an appointment on their website using your zip code. For more information, call their hotline at (888) 687-2277.
Special tax qualifications for blindness
Special tax qualifications are available for the visually impaired and blind. If you are legally blind, indicate that on your tax form.
This status can allow you to qualify for a higher deduction. Additionally, devices related to blindness can be a deduction, such as braille note-takers, paper, embossers, items for a guide dog, adaptive technology, etc. Double-check this information when filing your return because every tax break can help.
Tax refunds
Direct deposit is the fastest, easiest, and safest way to get a refund. If you expect a federal refund, you can check its status through the “Where’s My Refund?” section on the IRS website or app.
However, depending on when you file your return, expect some delays due to COVID-19. If you do not have internet access, you can check your refund status by calling the IRS TeleTax System at (800) 829-4477 or the IRS Refund Hotline at (800) 829-1954.
When calling, you must provide your or your spouse’s social security number, filing status, and the refund amount shown on your return.
Beware of fraud
Watch out for the increased volume of tax-related identity fraud. It involves using your personal information to file a fraudulent tax return in someone else’s name.
The purpose is to collect a tax refund before filing your tax return. The IRS created the Taxpayer Guide to identity theft to help people avoid this problem.
If you have any questions on these tax tips for the visually impaired, contact us today for further assistance. We can provide many programs and direct you to the right places! Contact us now!
