Free tax assistance and preparation will be available to taxpayers from AARP Foundation Tax-Aide by appointment only every Wednesday beginning January 31 through April 11 at the Polk County Public Library location.  In addition, appointments will be accepted on two Saturdays, March 2 and March 24.  To schedule an appointment, call -828-894-8721, ext. 221.

“Once again we plan to offer our tax assistance on two Saturdays during the 2017 tax season in order to accommodate those taxpayers not able to use our services on Wednesdays,” said Ron Peters, the Polk County Site Coordinator.  Individuals do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this free tax service. 

Ron added, “Our tax service is available free to low and moderate income taxpayers with special consideration given to those 60 and older.  All our tax counselors attend several days of tax law training each year and pass a Certification Test,” said Ron.

All taxpayers must remember to bring to their AARP Tax-Aide appointment the following items:

• 2016 Federal Tax Return

• Photo Identification

• Social Security Card for each taxpayer and all dependents listed on the tax return

• Both taxpayers must be present to sign a joint tax return

• 1095A Form if medical insurance was purchased through the marketplace

• 2017 Tax Information (e.g. W2, Unemployment Compensation Statements, SSA-1099, 1099R, 1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-B, 1099-MISC, Brokerage Statements, etc.)

• Taxpayer must provide a blank check for verification of bank account number and bank routing information in order to authorize a direct deposit on a tax refund

AARP Tax-Aide program is offered at approximately 120 sites in North Carolina, such as senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.  Call the toll-free number 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669) or visit www.aarp.org/taxaide during this tax season to locate an AARP Tax-Aide site near you.  AARP Tax-Aide is a program of the AARP Foundation, offered in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service.  The AARP Foundation is AARP’s affiliated charity.

– submitted by Ron Peters