Free tax filing help is coming

2 weeks ago

To the editor:

The County team of the AARP Tax Aide program has offered free tax assistance to the elderly, low-income people and families, and others who might need assistance for more than 20 years. They will operate at the VFW Hall, 253 Van Buren Road in Caribou, starting Feb. 4.

Tax help will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from Feb. 4 through April 15. These dates and times may change in the event of extreme weather or other circumstances. 

Clients filing at the state level only should visit from noon to 2 p.m. Clients filing both state and federal returns are asked to arrive before that time. No new intakes will occur after 2 p.m.  

Clients must bring Social Security cards or other paperwork showing Social Security numbers for everyone in the household, and must present a photo ID for the primary person on the return, a copy of their most recent tax return and all pertinent tax documents. If paperwork is missing, clients will be asked to return with proper documents. 

Facilitators will help people fill out the intake information the IRS requires. Each client will be assigned to a qualified tax counselor, who will then generate their return. The return will be reviewed by another counselor for approval and printing. Every client will be given a printed copy. Unless people wish to file by mail, the team will e-file the return. On rare occasions, a paper file may be required. 

If a client requests direct deposit of a refund, or direct withdrawal of a payment, they must show us a copy of a bank account check.

Finally, the local AARP team always needs new volunteers to assist with client intake, and to consider becoming tax counselors. The team seeks individuals who enjoy working with the public, and in the case of tax counselors, who are comfortable with working online. The team will supply all required training and equipment, and daily mileage to and from the site each day can be reimbursed. 

For more information, please contact Penny Kern, 768-8790, or Bob White, 540-1122.

Robert White, Site Coordinator
Presque Isle