OAKHURST – Thanks to the AARP Foundation program Tax-Aide, mountain area seniors will again this year have a chance for free Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tax return preparation assistance.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers free, individualized tax preparation for low-to-moderate income taxpayers, especially for those 60 and older, at nearly 6,000 locations nationwide.Here are two near you:
Sierra Senior Center – Tuesdays
The Sierra Senior Center is offering free tax help by appointment on Tuesdays, starting Feb. 12, from 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m., but organizers caution that interested seniors should call soon, as spaces are already filled through Mar. 15. Free tax filing continues at the Center through Apr. 10.
Local CPAs donate their time, and donations to the Center are appreciated but not required. Remember to make lunch reservations the day before your tax appointment, if your meeting is around lunch time.
The Sierra Senior Center is located at 49111 Cinder Lane, phone (559) 683-3811.
Oakhurst Branch Library – Saturdays
The Oakhurst Branch of the Madera County Library is availing seniors of free tax prep on a walk-in and appointment basis on three Saturdays during tax season: Feb. 23, Mar. 16, and Apr. 13, beginning at 10 a.m. Appointments are recommended but not required.
The Oakhurst Library is located at 49044 Civic Circle Drive, phone (559) 683-4848.
http://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/?intcmp=DSO-SEARCH-AARPSUGG
In addition, the IRS offers volunteer tax assistance:
Internal Revenue Service – Online
The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs offer free tax help for seniors who qualify.
http://www.irs.gov/Individuals/Free-Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers
This link contains helpful information from the IRS directed towards seniors and retirees: