It is officially income-tax season and Oregonians have access to free, expert assistance through the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program through April 15.
The program offers tax preparation and filing services for anyone, with a focus on low- and middle-income older adults.
Kathy Goeddel, assistant state coordinator of the Oregon program, has been a volunteer tax preparer for 42 years. She said keeping up with new tax codes every year can be overwhelming for people on their own and the changes coming out of Washington, D.C., can make it especially complicated.
“We go through training and we do many, many, many returns, so we’re pretty fast,” Goeddel explained. “We also double-check everything. So, you get a very high-quality return done and it’s all for free.”
Goeddel noted last year, Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 19,000 Oregonians file their tax returns, securing $16 million in refunds. She added taxpayers can choose in-person preparation, drop-off service or get help online as well as book an appointment.
Goeddel pointed out all of Oregon’s roughly 500 Tax-Aide volunteers are IRS-certified each year to stay on top of the latest tax code changes. This year, it includes a new senior bonus deduction of up to $6,000 for individuals 65 and older, or $12,000 for those filing jointly.
The annual training requires hours of study but in the end, she stressed, it is worth it.
“During the prework, you’re like, ‘Oh my God, I can’t believe I’m doing this.’” Goeddel acknowledged. “But you get back at it and you forget all about how much work it was and just enjoy who you’re with and working with your team.”
Tax-Aide is the country’s largest free, volunteer-based tax filing program. Last year, nationwide, more than 28,000 volunteers helped people get more than $1.3 billion in refunds and tax credits.
By Isobel Charle – Producer, Public News Service
