American Association of Retired Persons officials announced that tax-assistance sites have been established Princeville to Kekaha, with volunteer, tax-preparation counselors ready to help the elderly, and those low-income residents, with their basic federal and state income-tax returns, AARP officials said
American Association of Retired Persons officials announced that tax-assistance sites have been established Princeville to Kekaha, with volunteer, tax-preparation counselors ready to help the elderly, and those low-income residents, with their basic federal and state income-tax returns, AARP officials said in a press release.
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers expect a strong demand for their services again this year, on the heels of a record year in 2005 when 174 local volunteers assisted in the completion of 14,983 tax returns statewide, helping Hawai‘i taxpayers reap an estimated $2.2 million in returns.
Free assistance is available to all taxpayers through AARP’s Tax-Aide Program, with priority given to low-and middle-income residents age 60 and older.
Earlier this month, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers were recognized for their service to members of the community, as Lt. Governor James K. “Duke” Aiona Jr. signed a proclamation in their honor at a public ceremony at the State Capitol.
Aiona proclaimed Feb. 1 to April 17 AARP Tax-Aide Season in Hawai‘i.
“I am very proud that AARP is able to provide an exceptional quality of service to the people of Hawai‘i through the efforts of our dedicated team of volunteers,” said Tax-Aide State Coordinator Bankole Idowu.
“Our program earns high marks for customer satisfaction year after year, and a number of our volunteers are fluent in Japanese, Chinese, and Filipino dialects,” he said.
Tax-Aide volunteers also provide counseling services to people who are unable to leave their homes. In Hawai‘i last year, volunteers visited 247 home-bound residents, including individuals in nursing homes.
For details on this service, contact Idowu on O‘ahu at 1-808-836-3439, or call the Kaua‘i AARP office, 246-4500.
In addition to the following places, times and dates when Tax-Aide volunteers are available, a detailed listing of Tax-Aide sites is also available on the AARP Hawaii Web site at www.aarp.org/states/hi.
The AARP Tax-Aide program is administered through leaders of the AARP Foundation in cooperation with those with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated, 501 (c) (3) nonpartisan charitable organization.
Appointments may be required at some of the following locations, as indicated:
• Hanapepe Recreation Center: Tuesday, 9 a.m. to noon;
• Kapa‘a Neighborhood Center: Thursday, and March 9, March 23 and April 6, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.;
• Kaumakani Neighborhood Center: Feb. 28, from 9 a.m. to noon);
• Kekaha Neighborhood Center: Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon;
• Kilauea Neighborhood Center: March 15, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.;
• Koloa Public/School Library, Wednesdays from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.);
• Koloa Neighborhood Center, Wednesday, 9 a.m. to noon);
• AARP Information Center on Rice Street in Lihu‘e, near Midas Muffler Shops of Hawaii: Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon except Feb. 25, March 11, April 1 and April 15. Appointments are required, call 246-4500;
• Lihue Neighborhood Center: Feb. 28, March 14 and March 28, and April 4, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.;
• Church of the Pacific, Princeville: Wednesday and March 8, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
For those who do not need to file federal income-tax returns but who wish to get their state tax refunds, forms will be completed for you.
People should bring proof of Social Security number (Social Security card, Medicare card, copy of last year’s tax form) along with current-year tax forms and preparation booklet; copies of last year’s returns, W-2 forms from each employer, unemployment compensation statements, SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits, all 1099 forms (interest, dividends, pension, annuity, IRA, miscellaneous, all forms indicating federal income tax paid); dependent-care provider information (name, identification, Social Security number), Social Security numbers for all dependents, all receipts, or canceled checks if itemizing deductions.
For other sites and dates, call toll-free 1-888-227-7669 or 1-888-687-2277, or visit the Web site, www.aarp.org/taxaide.
