AARP Foundation Offers Free Tax Assistance
Teddie Frock, staff writer
Free tax assistance will be available at the PVCC main campus starting Feb. 2 until April 13 every Friday and Saturday from 9-11 a.m. The deadline for filing taxes this year is April 15.
The AARP Foundation provides tax assistance through the IRS Vita program. Individuals or families that make less than $58,000 per year are eligible for assistance. This is a walk-in service that is available to the general public as well as PVCC students.
Volunteers are trained to assist the public in completing their taxes. PVCC provides space and computers. They will e-file state and federal taxes and can complete paper forms for those who need them. Bill O’Neil coordinates the PVCC site and Ebin Morrows coordinates the district which includes the sites at PVCC, The Center, Northside, Nelson, and Fluvanna Libraries.
“We usually assist about 30-40 people each day and approximately 85 percent of the clients are returning from the previous year,” said Site Director O’Neil.
The staff is available to anyone who has a tax question. There are changes to the 2018 tax laws that the staff can explain.
To prepare to meet with the AARP Foundation staff, bring all income information including W-2s, 1099 forms for Social Security and other income, a photo ID and an SSN card number. Also bring previous year taxes and checking or savings account information if needed, to have direct deposits of refunds deposited to your account. If you plan to take itemized deductions, bring a 1098 form that shows interest paid on mortgages, health insurance expenses, and the forms that show day care, educational expenses, and interest.
If you have any questions about taxes, even if you do not meet the criteria, do not hesitate to ask an AARP tax aide.
