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Date: 1/31/2023
SOUTH HADLEY — The yearly free AARP Tax Aide program is returning to the South Hadley Council on Aging for a nine-week stretch offering invaluable service and assistance to the town’s senior population, in particular the 50+ seniors and low-to-moderate income seniors.
The free program is available to taxpayers 50 years of age and older starting Feb. 9 and every Thursday until April 6 at the South Hadley Senior Center. AARP Tax Aide Program volunteers will be preparing tax returns at the senior center.
“We are grateful to the AARP Tax-Aide Preparation Program and the volunteer preparers,” said Executive Director of the South Hadley Council on Aging Leslie Hennessey. “Last year, 147 seniors were able to have their taxes done for free. This year, I would like us to increase that number.”
Tax returns will be done on a same-day, drop-off basis. Tax-Aide provides tax assistance free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers who are age 50 and older or have low-to-moderate income. Taxpayers will not be permitted in the tax prep room, nor will there be in-person, face to face help offered.
Instead, all taxpayers will be required to drop off their documents in a large, sealed envelope that is supplied by the Senior Center. Communication will be done by phone, which means participants must commit to be available by phone all day for questions or consultations.
Residents interested would then be called to sign an e-file authorization and to pick up their papers and a copy of their tax returns as it cannot be mailed.
A tax packet containing a detailed instruction sheet, and intake forms must be picked up at the Senior Center in advance of an appointment. These documents must be completed and signed at home before paperwork is dropped off on the day of the appointment.
If participants are filing for the Mass Circuit Breaker, they must have all real estate and water/sewer bills that they paid in calendar year 2022. If an individual cannot find them, they must get a printout as soon as possible to put in with their tax papers, or else the Circuit Breaker refund will be smaller this year. For real estate printouts, contact the Treasurer’s department.
For water/sewer bills please contact your water district. Residents must schedule an appointment by calling the Senior Center at 538-5030. Appointments open on Feb. 1 at 8:00 a.m.
“The benefit of the program is that two of the major challenges our seniors face at tax time are addressed,” Hennessey said. “The AARP Tax Aide Program is free of charge. Seniors with transportation challenges can use the Senior Center minibus to get to and from the Senior Center at no cost.”