WALDPORT — Filing taxes can be costly, but it doesn’t need to be because of some free options.
AARP volunteers are offering free tax preparation again this year from 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Waldport Community Center. People using the service need to show their photo identification and a Social Security card.
In addition to AARP’ service, Oregon taxpayers who prepare their own returns and file want to file electronically have several options. They include services by AARP, United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program, MFS-CASH Oregon and the IRS that provide tax guidance and form preparation. Mostly, they’re geared toward older people and those with lower incomes.
Taxpayers who don’t meet the income requirements can also fill out state income tax forms themselves using free online forms provided by the state. The service will perform basic calculations, making this option best for those who don’t have complicated taxes, don’t need outside help and want to file electronically.
The IRS has a similar option for filing federal taxes electronically, and it has free sites for filing federal returns that are generally geared toward taxpayers who earn less than $60,000 a year.
The state of Oregon and the Internal Revenue Service have started processing 2022 returns. Refunds will be issued starting Feb. 15. The deadline for filing this year is April 18.
