qBenefit and Tax Research
Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a fee for this service?
No.  There is no cost to you to use this service.  As a matter of fact, you may also be interested in a couple of other CPRF programs that work to assist people with disabilities and the issues surrounding employment: the Employment Network and the Kansas Benefits Counselors Network.  The Employment Network can assist people with disabilities and Ticket-to-Work participants secure gainful employment, while the Kansas Benefits Counselors Network arms people with disabilities with critical information necessary to make informed employment decisions through an individualized benefits analysis.
Return to questions

What information will I be asked to provide?
You will need to provide your W-2 from your employer, any 1099s you received, the Form SSA 1099 (Social Security disability benefits received), and copies of any prior year tax returns you have filed (if available).  You will also need to complete a tax organizer.  Any additional information that you need to provide will be discussed at your tax consultation.
Return to questions

How does a benefit tax consultation take place?
1. Make appointment/phone appointments can be scheduled
2. Gather documentation (complete tax organizer)
3. Sit down for a one-on-one consultation
4. File your forms
Return to questions

Who has access to my personal information?
Your personal information will remain entirely confidential and kept secure with access limited only to the research team.
Return to questions

If I decide to participate in the tax research, how do you protect my privacy?
Your privacy and confidentiality are of the highest priority to us. As a Benefit and Tax Research program, we have agreed to protect the privacy and confidentiality of beneficiary and taxpayer information entrusted to us by the Social Security Administration and Internal Revenue Service, as well as the beneficiaries with whom we work. Taxpayer confidentiality and Privacy Act requirements, along with the applicable Federal law, regulations, and procedures governing the Benefit and Tax Research program (an authorized IRS VITA site) are covered by Internal Revenue Service (IRS Form 13615 Standards of Conduct Volunteer Return Preparation Program) and CPRF’s individual Benefit and Tax Research consent form.  We are also governed by CPRF's privacy policy.  We understand that as government contractors, we are contractually obligated to abide by these rules and to insure that all CPRF Benefit and Tax Research employees with access to confidential beneficiary information understand them as well.
Return to questions

Is there an income cut-off point that would disqualify me from using this service?
No.  The only program requirement is that you either currently be receiving disability payments from Social Security or have received them at some time since January 1, 2002 and have worked in 2003, 2004, or 2005.
Return to questions

I have already filed my taxes for this year.  Can I still make an appointment with the Benefits and Tax Research tax accountant?
Yes, you can receive free review of current year (2004), prior year tax returns (2003, 2002), preparation of amended tax returns, and tax planning for 2005 with specific attention paid to how you as a person with a disability can make the maximum use of items such  as the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Child Credit, your Retirement Savings Contribution Credit, and any Impairment-Related Work Expenses you may have.
Return to questions

I don’t have a disability, but I claim my adult child with a disability as a dependent.  Can I use this service?
Yes, you qualify for this service as long as you or someone in your household is currently receiving disability payments from Social Security or have received them at some time since January 1, 2002.  The earned income tax credit is available to the taxpayer claiming a totally and permanently disabled child regardless of the age of the child as long as the relationship and residency tests are satisfied.  Please contact the Benefits and Tax Research team for further information and a possible benefit analysis for this adult child from the Kansas Benefits Counselors Network.
Return to questions

I don’t live in Wichita.  How can I find the closest VITA site?
You can call 1-800-829-1040 (toll free) through the Internal Revenue Service for location of your nearest Volunteer in Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
Return to questions