Do you need help with a basic tax return? Tax-Aide volunteers provide free tax help to low- to middle-income Alaskans of all ages at sites across the state.
You do not need to be an AARP member.
Last year, Tax-Aide volunteers helped with 4,655 tax returns in Alaska. To locate the nearest Tax-Aide site, you can use the online AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator or call 2-1-1 or 1-800-478-2221, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 2-1-1 is a free and confidential service of United Way that helps Alaskans find the assistance they need.
Everyone who requests tax help at a Tax-Aide site will need to bring a photo ID for adults and a social security card (or photocopy) for everyone on the tax return being prepared, including children. You will also need to bring paper copies of all tax documents (W-2, etc.), a copy of last year’s tax return if you have it, and any letters from the IRS.
While Tax-Aide volunteers can't help with complex tax returns, such as those with rental properties or businesses with inventory or showing a loss, the team of IRS-certified volunteers can accommodate standard tax complications that come with retirement and other life changes. For general tax-related questions or Tax-Aide scope questions, call the Alaska Tax-Aide answering machine at 907-538-4228 and someone will get back within 48 hours.
Teresa Holt is the AARP Alaska state director and Allegra Hamer the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide state coordinator.
