By John McCallum
Editor 

IRS program changes impact AARP Tax-aide filers

 

Last updated 2/2/2017 at 8:21am



It’s tax filing time, and Violet Lincoln, Cheney coordinator for AARP’s Tax-Aide program, wants those using the free service to know there are some changes. Specifically, one major change.

The Internal Revenue Service has switched tax providers, ditching Taxwise, which they used for 15 years, for Taxslayer. Because of that, there is a new requirement that all filers must provide their Social Security cards when they come in to use the service.

Previously, Tax-Aide filers just had to provide their prior year’s return — if they used the service — along with photo identification. The photo ID is still required, but while helpful, the previous year’s return is not critical.

“My biggest concern is people making appointments don’t bring the correct stuff,” Lincoln said, adding that filers should also bring the Social Security cards of any dependents they wish to claim.

Lincoln is also looking for more volunteer tax counselors. Last year, the service at the Cheney Library helped 250 people file their taxes, and Lincoln said there was rarely a day that did not have all available appointment slots filled.

“We can service more if we have more volunteers,” she said.

Lincoln and others will train and certify those who volunteer. There are three training dates left, Feb. 3 from noon – 3 p.m. and Feb. 4 and 7 from 1 – 3 p.m. each day, but Lincoln said she can accommodate other dates if necessary.

Those interested in volunteering can do so by calling 1-888-227-7669 or going online to http://www.aarp.org/giving-back, scrolling down to “Looking to Volunteer?” and following the links. Volunteers will submit their name to help in the Spokane area, but Lincoln said this information gets forwarded to the district coordinator.

“At this point they’d say ‘Cheney,’ and then he will call me and give me their name,” Lincoln said.

The service can still do prior year returns and amended returns. Lincoln said it’s also still free to e-file.

“Everything here is all free,” she added.

Tax-Aide services begin Feb. 10, and will run Fridays and select Saturdays. Call (509) 353-4851 to schedule an appointment. Medical Lake’s Tax-Aide service is first come/first serve each Wednesday and Thursday at City Hall.

Tax-Aide sites

Cheney Library (appointment only)

610 First St.

Fridays 1–4 p.m., select Saturdays 11 a.m.–2 p.m.

Closed Feb. 17, March 3 and April 7

Medical Lake City Hall (walk in)

124 S. Lefevre St.

Wednesdays and Thursdays 5–7 p.m.

John McCallum can be reached at jmac@cheneyfreepress.com.

Author Bio

John McCallum, Retired editor

John McCallum is an award-winning journalist who retired from Cheney Free Press after more than 20 years. He received 10 Washington Newspaper Publisher Association awards for journalism and photography, including first place awards for Best Investigative, Best News and back-to-back awards in Best Breaking News categories.

 

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