Free Tax Help for Seniors and Low-Middle Income Families

From Feb. 1 through April 12, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is providing free tax assistance for seniors and low-to-middle income families at multiple locations across the island.

Offered in conjunction with the IRS, the program has helped more than 50 million taxpayers over the past 40 years.

The Tax-Aide program is designed to ensure that individuals and families receive all applicable tax credits and deductions.

The free tax assistance, which is provided by trained volunteers, is available for low- and moderate-income taxpayers who have simple tax requirements, generally under $50,000.

Special attention is given to those 60 years of age or older.

In North Hawaii tax assistance is available at the  Waimea Community Center at 65-1260 Kawaihae Rd. (next to the park) on Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. except on Feb. 18, March 1, March 29, and April 5. Appointments are required, call 885-4722 or 388-6645 to schedule.

The tax assistance is also available on various days in West Hawaii, where walk-ins are welcome.

That includes Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon at the Hale Halawai Community Center at 75-5760 Ali’i Dr. in Kailua-Kona.

On Tuesdays, the assistance can be obtained from noon to 4 p.m.at Catholic Charities at 73-5618 Maiau Street, Suite B201 (above Costco) in Kailua-Kona. Tax assistance is also provided in Tagalog at this location.

On Wednesdays, the help is available from 9 a.m. to noon at Yano Hall at 82-6156 Mamalahoa Hwy. in Captain Cook.

In East Hawaii, free tax assistance is available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the A&D Resource Center at 1055 Kinoole St. in Hilo. Appointments are required; call 961-8777 to schedule.

On Wednesdays, help is provided from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m at the lower-level conference room at the Hilo Lagoon Centre at 101 Aupuni St., except for on Feb. 6 and Feb. 13. Walk-ins are welcome at this site.