Senior Voice -

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteer tax preparers will provide free tax preparation assistance for seniors and low-to-moderate income households this tax season. Service delivery is being adjusted due to COVID to make tax preparation safe for volunteers and the public.

Tax prep will be by appointment only with minimal face-to-face interaction this year.

Masks will always be required when interacting with the volunteers.

Taxpayers will complete their paperwork and be interviewed by a counselor. Some Tax-Aide sites will prepare tax returns the same day, with taxpayers returning a few hours later to review and sign. Other Tax-Aide sites will scan taxpayer documents, prepare the returns remotely, and taxpayers will return the next week to review and sign.

For information on how to make an appointment, taxpayers are encouraged to call 211 or 800-478-2221, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., or book an appointment on-line at https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/

Important details

When making the appointment, taxpayers will be provided a list of required tax documents to bring to their appointment. Taxpayers are required to have a photo ID as well as an original Social Security card for all persons named on the tax return.

Although priority is given to preparation of 2021 returns, some sites are able to assist taxpayers who did not file 2020 returns. This could be especially beneficial to those who normally receive the Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit. For 2021 returns, taxpayers who received an Advanced Child Tax Credit payment must bring the IRS letter #6419 (or other proof) of the amount. Taxpayers who did not receive the third stimulus payment in spring 2021, may be able to apply for it when filing their 2021 return.

For more information on site locations in Alaska, visit http://www.FreeTaxPrepANC.com or the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Alaska Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/alaskataxaide.