Five sites open in Clark, Skamania counties
VANCOUVER — Beginning Feb.1, local AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites will open to prepare and e-file personal tax returns. This free tax service is available to the public and includes most personal tax returns with some limited exceptions.
Due to the limitations of the COVID-19 pandemic, the traditional face-to-face preparation with a Tax-Aide counselor is being replaced with a limited-contact in-person service this year.
All volunteers who will have direct contact with taxpayers have been vaccinated and will observe strict safety protocols when working with taxpayers. Masks are required for all volunteers and taxpayers requesting service.
Tax preparation will be by appointment only. Appointments can only be made online on the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide website https://taxaide.aarpfoundation.org. Information is provided on what documents are required to prepare and file personal tax returns.
Appointments can be made now and are being released in two-week periods of time. New appointments become available every Sunday.
The service will be offered through April 18 at five sites in Vancouver and Stevenson:
• United Church of Christ, 1220 NE 68th St., Vancouver.
• Vancouver Community Library, 901 C St., Vancouver.
• Marshall/Luepke Center, 1009 E McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver.
• Cascade Park Community Library, 600 NE 136th Ave., Vancouver.
• Stevenson Community Library, 120 NW Vancouver Ave., Stevenson.
“Tax-Aide is a free service for anyone who needs help completing their tax return and filing it electronically,” said Debbie Carroll, Washington AARP Foundation Tax-Aide District 1 Coordinator. “Our dedicated and certified volunteers provide the same high-quality service as in years past, just in a safer way to prevent the spread of COVID-19.”
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide operates the nation’s largest all-volunteer run tax preparation service. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code.
In 2021, one million taxpayers using AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received more than $689 million in income tax refunds.
They also avoided any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or “advance refund loans.” The service is offered in conjunction with the IRS. AARP membership is not required to receive the free service.
