AARP Offering Free Tax Preparation Assistance Beginning Feb. 2

The AARP Foundation will be offering free tax preparation assistance beginning Feb. 2 for Hawai‘i taxpayers with low to moderate incomes.  The program will be available at five locations on the Big Island.  You do not need to be an AARP member or retiree to access the service.

New tax rules under the Affordable Care Act are requiring additional documentation for some taxpayers this year, including family health insurance information with details about marketplace/exchange purchases and health care exemptions.  Taxpayers with Medicare or Medicare Advantage do not need to provide additional information.

AARP’s aid program is the largest free tax assistance service in the nation, now in its 48th year.  Last year, Tax-Aide volunteers in Hawai’i helped over 16,000 people file federal and state returns, claiming over $5.5 million in refunds and $1.2 million in earned income credits for 2014.  The program is offered at roughly 40 sites statewide, including senior centers, libraries, and other locations.  

Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they are up-to-date on changes to the U.S. tax code.

“Tax-Aide volunteers give a big boost to both individuals and our local economy by helping low- and moderate-income residents with their taxes,” said Gerry Silva, AARP Hawai’i State President. “They also help many low-income workers who might otherwise fail to file for Earned Income Tax Credits.”

The following locations on the Big Island will offer the free service:

Captain Cook

Yano Hall (H-2b)

82-6156 Mamalahoa Hwy.

Captain Cook, HI 96704

Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. –12:00 p.m.

Walk-in

Hilo

A & D Resource Center (H-1a)

1055 Kinoole St.

Hilo, HI 96720

Tues 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Thurs 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.

Appointment Required

Staff (808) 961-8777

Kailua-Kona

Catholic Charities (Kona) (H-8)

(Above Costco)

73-5618 Maiau St., Ste B201

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Tuesdays 12:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Appointments (808) 319-8097

Walk-in based on availability

Hale Halawai Community Center (H-6)

75-5760 Ali`i Dr.

Kailua-Kona, HI 96740

Thursdays 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Walk-in

Kamuela

Waimea Community Center (H-3)

65-1260 Kawaihae Rd.

Kamuela HI 96743

Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Appointment Required

Eunice (808) 388-6645

For more information visit the AARP website or call 1 (888) 227-7669.