AARP and the IRS sponsor Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs that offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. The VITA program has operated for over 50 years. VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

– People who generally make $60,000 or less

– Persons with disabilities; and

– Limited English-speaking taxpayers

The TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

Tax assistance will be available this year, beginning in February. There will be three sites in Polk County.

The Dallas site will again be at the Dallas Public Library, located at 950 Main St., on Mondays and Wednesdays. For additional information and to make an appointment call (971) 289-5492. Appointments are now being accepted for February. The forms that need to be filled out prior to your appointment will be available at the library and at the Dallas Senior Center, located at 817 SW Church St.

The AARP Tax-Aide Monmouth site will be at Ash Creek Annex, 1483 16th St N. The phone number for appointments is (971) 915-0316. Appointments are now being accepted beginning Feb. 2nd. The Ash Creek Annex site will be open Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays. The forms that need to be filled out prior to your appointment will be available later this month at the Independence Library and the Monmouth Library. Please check our Facebook page for additional helpful information at www.facebook.com/100089453573801.

A new VITA site will also operate for the first time at Western Oregon University during this coming tax season. This site, located on the WOU Campus in West House at the corner of Monmouth Avenue North and Jackson Street West will open later in February. The phone number and website link for appointments will be available soon. Please leave a message with the Monmouth Tax-Aide site at (971) 915-0316 and ask to be added to the WOU Notification List to receive a follow-up call when appointments may be scheduled.

This article originated in the Polk IO