Friday, February 19, 2010

Free Income Tax Help & Resources

It's tax time!  Time to gather up all of your W2's, 1099's, and whatever receipts you may need, sharpen those pencils and... wait a minute.  Didn't get your 1040 form and instructions in the mail like you normally do?  Need help navigating the different stimulus refunds available to you?  Here are some resources that may help.

If you are used to filling out the paper tax forms but would like to save yourself a trip to the post office and get your refund faster, consider e-filing for free!  Online forms are available through the Free File Alliance.  Your information is password-protected and you can fill out your forms online and send them electronically to the IRS at no charge.  Check it out at www.freefilefillableforms.com.

If you want to have the paper tax forms to get your information or if you just feel more comfortable mailing paper forms to the IRS, your local Pasco County library has the basic 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ forms and instructions, as well as the most popular schedules and additional forms.  The staff at the Information Desk can print copies of other forms for you from the IRS's website for $0.10 per page.

Need a little hand-holding from a trained professional?  Low to moderate income people can make appointments through the United Way's Prosperity Campaign to receive free tax preparation help.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, call the United Way at 2-1-1 (in Pasco County only).

Additionally, AARP's Tax Aide program offers free tax preparation help from trained volunteers during tax season.  Visit their website for a location near you.

Thursday, February 4, 2010

FREE Dental Work TOMORROW in New Port Richey!

Tomorrow is the 10th Annual Dentistry From the Heart free dental care event at Monticciolo General and Sedation Dentistry, located at 4530 Grand Blvd., New Port Richey, FL.  500 patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, starting at 7:30 a.m.  You may want to dig out that sleeping bag and prepare to camp out, as hundreds of people are lined up before dawn for this once a year event.

The dental staff will be providing free cleanings, fillings and extractions.  Referrals will be made for patients needing additional dental work performed.  Patients must be 18 years or older, and there are no income requirements to qualify.  For more information, visit their website.

If you can't make it tomorrow, another event will be held in the Tampa Bay area on Friday, March 5, at Marnie C. Bauer & Associates, located at 4306 West Kensington Ave. in Tampa, FL.  Visit their website or call the office at (813) 434-0305 for more information.

Monday, February 1, 2010

It's Fair Season in Florida!

February is here, which means the local and state fairs can't be far off!  Take a look at the dates for this year's festivities and plan your trips now.

Fort Dade Mountain Man Rendezvous
Feb. 6-8, 2010
Withlacoochee River Park, Dade City, FL
See how people lived in the early 19th century.

Florida State Fair
Feb. 4-15, 2010
Florida State Fairgrounds
4800 Hwy 301 N
Tampa, FL

Pasco County Fair
Feb. 15-21, 2010
Pasco County Fairgrounds
36722 State Road 52
Dade City, FL

Florida Strawberry Festival
Mar. 4-14, 2010
303 North Lemon St.
Plant City, FL