Free income tax prep offered

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, January 28, 2020

You’ve got taxes to file. But do-it-yourself software can be confusing — and some paid tax preparation services cost money you might not be able to spend. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide can help.

Beginning Feb. 1 and continuing through April 14, AARP Foundation is providing in-person tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program — and it’s completely free.

Locally, Tax-Aide is available on Saturdays beginning this Saturday through April 11 at the Mack Gaston Community Center from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and on Tuesdays and Fridays beginning Tuesday, Feb. 4, through April 14 at the Dalton-Whitfield County Public Library from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Last year in Georgia, 1,232 volunteers with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide helped citizens e-file 32,322 tax returns resulting in refunds totaling $32,045.294.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest volunteer-run free tax preparation service. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. tax code. The program is completely free and is offered in conjunction with the IRS. AARP membership is not required.