Westport Department of Human Services Announces Volunteer Tax Assistance Program Returns for 2023
The Department of Human Services is pleased to announce its annual partnership with the AARP/VITA/IRS Volunteer Tax Assistance Program offering free tax prep for residents. The tax assistance program assists seniors and low to moderate-income households with virtual or on-site personalized counseling by appointment at Town Hall or Westport’s Center for Senior Activities.
On-site counseling is available from January 23, 2023 to April 17, 2023 by appointment only.
Town Hall Appointment Hours:
Mondays between 1-7pm
Center for Senior Activities Appointment Hours:
Wednesdays between 9am- 4pm
Thursdays between 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm.
Appointments are required and can be made by calling 860-590-8910. The virtual option can be accessed via https://simplifyct.org .
This free Tax Assistance Program is the nation’s largest, free volunteer-run tax assistance and preparation service and is available to all individual filers regardless of income or age. During the last full (pre-Covid) tax season, some 65,000 IRS-certified volunteers provided this service at more than 9,000 sites across the nation, resulting in some three and a half million taxpayer returns being prepared and filed. In Connecticut about 52,000 federal returns were processed, in addition to an equal number of State returns and many amended filings from prior years.
The “SimplyCT” counselor group that services the Town of Westport prepared and filed more than 7,000 returns last season – almost all electronically. Federal refunds totaling over $10 million were received by these clients, including some $3 million from tax credits such as for education and earned income.
Before starting either the on-site or virtual filings taxpayers must have the following types of information available:
Identity Documentation
Government Issued Photo ID.
Social Security or ITIN numbers for all taxpayers and dependents.
Bank account/routing numbers (blank check preferable), if expecting a refund.
All 2022 income report forms received
SSA1099 if you were paid Social Security benefits.
W-2(s) from your employer(s).
W-2G from gambling winnings.
1099G from unemployment compensation payments.
1099s: Bank interest, stock dividends, retirement distributions, broker statements.
Other Important Documents
If itemizing deductions, receipts for expenses such as taxes paid (real estate, vehicle) and charitable contributions; and verification of the original purchase price of sold assets (home, stocks).
Form 1095-A if health insurance was from the Access Health Connecticut Marketplace.
And preferably, for Reference, A Copy of last year’s (TY 2021) Return
Many of the same IRS-Certified volunteers who have been serving the Town of Westport’s sties for years will be available to prepare taxpayer returns; Westport Human Services and the Center for Senior Activities are pleased to again partner with these IRS-certified preparers to offer this valuable service to the community.
Police Looking for Information on 1989 Death of Westporter found Burned on Main Street
Contributed photo of Joan M. Werktin.Westport Police Department:
On May 24, 1989 at approximately 11:00 pm, officers and fire personnel were dispatched to a report of a fire in the rear of the 337 Main Street shopping plaza. Arriving first responders observed a female body had been burned at that location near the wood line. Shortly thereafter, the deceased’s husband contacted police to report her missing.
The deceased, Joan M. Werktin, then age 38, of Westport, had allegedly left her residence earlier that evening to go grocery shopping, but never returned home. Her vehicle, a white 1988 BMW 325, was located parked in the front of the shopping plaza. Joan Wertkin was a petite white female with long dark hair and a thin build. On the night of her death, she was reportedly wearing a dark colored running suit made of velour type material. Investigators do not believe she drove herself to the Main Street location.
The murder of Joan Wertkin is an active investigation and is being evaluated with advanced techniques. Anyone with information is asked to contact Lieutenant Jillian Cabana and Detective Philip Restieri at (203) 520-3831 or coldcasetips@westportct.gov.
Morning Weather Report
Today
Rain, mainly before 4pm. Areas of fog before 4pm. High near 50. Calm wind becoming south around 6 mph in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.
Tonight
A 30 percent chance of rain, mainly before 1am. Cloudy, with a low around 48. Southwest wind around 7 mph.
Tomorrow
A chance of showers before 1pm, then rain likely after 1pm. Cloudy, with a high near 60. Southwest wind 3 to 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible.
Tomorrow Night
Rain before 1am, then showers likely after 1am. Low around 42. Calm wind becoming northeast around 5 mph after midnight. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New precipitation amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch possible.
Howard Simon, Active Westport Community Member, Died
Howard Simon, long time resident of Weston, died on Friday, December 30th after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. He is survived by his wife, Amy Simon, his daughters Katherine McCarty (Matthew), Lisa Simon Bailey (Jeff), his sons Matthew Simon, David Simon (Andrea), James Simon and five grandchildren: Ross Simon, Evan Simon, Marshall Bailey, Reed McCarty and Kira McCarty.
He was born in St. Paul, Minnesota in 1932. He was predeceased by his parents, I. E. Simon and Gertrude L. Simon, his brothers, Jerrold Simon and Ronald Simon and his son, Bruce Simon. Howard attended St. Paul Central High School followed by University of Minnesota where he studied Business Administration and was a member of Phi Epsilon fraternity.
He joined his family's manufacturing business, Simon and Mogilner, in Birmingham, Alabama where he directed sales and marketing before becoming CEO. Howard then worked as an early pioneer in financing for cellular communications and independent tv stations before representing Major League Baseball players as an agent.
Howard was an avid tennis player, sports fan, and loved his monthly poker game. He followed politics and current events with keen interest. He was a mentor and advisor who was always happy to provide advice and business guidance. Above all, he was known for his affable personality, engaging everyone he met with midwestern charm.
Funeral services will be held on at 11 am on Wednesday, January 4th at Abraham L. Green and Son Funeral Home, 88 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT. Memorial contributions may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation.
The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the staff at Jewish Senior Services, Bridgeport, who cared for him with great compassion and kindness.