We're now a little past halfway through the year. Before you know it the Tax Man will be hovering again. If you want to be sure you're properly lined up for getting all the credits and deductions you and your senior might be entitled to, now is the time to do a quick review. By the end of the year it will be too late to do anything for this year, and if you're like most of us, you can use all the savings you can find.

The booklets we've listed below are (mostly) for tax year 2008. The IRS is in the process of making revisions now for 2009. However, it's highly likely that not much will change for us, so glancing over these now will let you know where you stand. All are free.

If you employ a caregiver directly please pay particular attention to Publication #503. There are some things you have to pay close attention to.

Tax Information for Older Americans - Publication #554
A general overview of selected topics that are of interest to older taxpayers. This publication will help you determine if you need to file a return and, if so, what items to report on your return.
     Read Online   Downloadable pdf 
 
Social Security Benefits and Equivalent Railroad Retirement Benefits - Publication #915
Is Your Income Taxable: If the only income you received during 2008 was your social security or the SSEB portion of tier 1 railroad retirement benefits, your benefits generally are not taxable and you probably do not have to file a return. If you have income in addition to your benefits, you may have to file a return even if none of your benefits are taxable.
     Read Online    Downloadable pdf    

Credit for the Elderly or the Disabled - Publication #524
If you qualify, you may be able to reduce the tax you owe by taking the credit for the elderly or the disabled. This publication explains who qualifies for the credit for the elderly or the
disabled, and how to figure the credit.
     Read Online    Downloadable pdf   

Tax Information for Survivors, Executors, and Administrators - Publication #559
This publication is designed to help those in charge of the property (estate) of an individual who has died (decedent).
     Read Online   Downloadable pdf     

Pension and Annuity Income - Publication #575
This publication discusses the tax treatment of distributions you receive from pension and annuity plans and also shows you how to report the income on your federal income tax return.
     Read Online   Downloadable pdf    

Tax Rules for Children and Dependents -Publication #929
Whether a dependent has to file a return generally depends on the amount of the dependent's earned and unearned income and whether the dependent is married, is age 65 or older, or is blind.
     Read Online   Downloadable pdf    

Child and Dependent Care Expenses -Publication #503
If you pay someone to come to your home and care for your dependent or spouse, you may be a household employer who has to pay employment taxes.
     Read Online   Downloadable pdf     

Guide to Free Tax Services - Publication #910
More than 100 million taxpayers get free help from the IRS. You can, too.
     downloadable pdf