WALDPORT — Free help filing tax returns is being offered to the public by the American Association of Retired Persons in Waldport three days a week through April 11.
Each Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 1-5 p.m. people of any age or income level may visit the Waldport Community Center, 265 E. Hemlock St., to get help. Taxpayers should arrive before 3:30 p.m. if they hope to complete their returns in one day.
No appointment is needed for the service, and AARP membership is not a requirement. The only restriction is on the scope of the return.
“We only do very simple returns,” said AARP Lincoln County coordinator Kathy Kuebbing. “Stop by the site on the days open to ask if your return is in scope.”
Kuebbing said a team of certified tax counselors provide the help. The counselors train every year on federal and Oregon tax law and must pass a test given by the Internal Revenue Service to be qualified to offer assistance.
AARP is also offering a new service this year for taxpayers to complete their own taxes for free with the aid of a tax counselor. This self-preparation services requires no paperwork except for a liability waiver. The income limit for this free self-assistance is $79,000.
The phone number for the Waldport TaxAide site is 541-669-0079. Callers are asked to leave a message, plus an email address or day and time for return contact.
