Home/Shut-in Definition
A home/shut-in visit is defined as providing tax preparation assistance to a taxpayer at their residence (home or nursing home or similar facility). This service is limited to those taxpayers who:
Have disabilities and are unable to come to a tax site, generally as a result of lack of mobility.
Are 60 years old or older.
Are not contagious.
Have the mental capacity to participate in the process.
Has no relative, friend or caregiver able to provide assistance by visiting a site on behalf of the taxpayer (see below).
Must have access to a secure internet connection!
Alternatives to Home/Shut-in Visits (AARP Tax-Aide preferred method)
Home/shut-in visits may be avoided by having the taxpayer’s return prepared at a site in the presence of a relative, friend or care giver, of the taxpayer who is representing the taxpayer. This can be done in two ways:
If that person has a Power of Attorney (POA) properly authorizing them to do so, they can represent the taxpayer and sign the return and Form 8879 on behalf of the taxpayer, or
If that person does not have a POA or authority to sign, the taxpayer will be called to discuss the return. Two printed copies of the return and all tax documents provided by the taxpayer are returned to them in a sealed AARP Foundation tax record envelope via the representative who delivered them to the site. It is the taxpayer’s responsibility to mail the return. Alternatively the representative may return with the 8879 signature(s) in order to e-file. The representative cannot sign on behalf of the taxpayer unless authorized by POA.
Note: The representative must provide the tax-payers photo ID and Social Security card or statement, as well as their own photo ID and phone #.
Sample POA verbiage can be found and printed on the Power of Attorney tab.
AARP Tax-Aide Home/Shut-in Process
There are two methods for Home/Shut-in Service (see below).
Taxpayers requiring Home/Shut-in Services should call the appointment line and leave a message indicating they require shut-in services. A volunteer will contact the taxpayer to arrange a visit, determine best method and answer any questions the taxpayer may have.
The taxpayer should then prepare for the visit by collecting and organizing all their documents. Instructions are on the What to bring tab.
Pick-up and Drop-off Method
Pick-up: Two counselors will arrive at the appointed time. They will provide proof that they are representing AARP Tax-Aide.
The counselors will assist the taxpayer with completing the necessary paperwork and getting the proper authorizations to prepare and file the return. The taxpayer must provide a photo ID and their Social Security card or statement to prove identity.
The counselors will then leave and the return will be prepared at one of our sites.
Process should take 15 minutes.
Drop-off: Once complete, a counselor will contact the taxpayer to arrange a second visit.
Two counselors will arrive at the appointed time. They will provide proof that they are representing AARP Tax-Aide.
They will bring equipment in case there need to be changes made to the return, but will not bring them in unless needed. They will bring equipment; printer (for printing return), laptops (to prepare the return). They must have access to a power source to setup the equipment.
Once the taxpayer and counselors are sure that the return is accurate, the taxpayer will be asked to sign the return. All documents and the return will be placed in an envelope. Counselors will instruct the taxpayer on when the return will be filed and whatever may be necessary in terms of paying amounts owed or when to expect the refund.
Process should take 15 minutes.
In Home Preparation Method
Two Counselors will arrive at the appointed time. They will provide proof that they are representing AARP Tax-Aide.
They will bring equipment; printer (for printing return), laptops (to prepare the return). They must have access to a power source to setup the equipment.
The counselors will assist the taxpayer with completing the necessary paperwork and getting the proper authorizations to prepare and file the return. The taxpayer must provide a photo ID and their Social Security card or statement to prove identity.
One Counselor will prepare the return. They will ask questions to ensure they understand what has been provided.
Once the first Counselor is done, the second will perform a Quality review of the return. They will then print and review the return with the taxpayer.
Once the taxpayer and Counselors are sure that the return is accurate, the taxpayer will be asked to sign the return. All documents and the return will be placed in an envelope. Counselors will instruct the taxpayer on when the return will be filed and whatever may be necessary in terms of paying amounts owed or when to expect the refund.
The entire process should take under 45 minutes, however, it could be longer if the return is complex.