Isabella COA, AARP partner up for tax services

Eligible local senior residents can take advantage of offers

As tax season approaches, the Isabella County Commission on Aging is partnering with a national non-profit for seniors to offer free tax preparation services to eligible residents.

With an emphasis on senior citizens, the COA in conjunction with the AARP Foundation Taxaide program is assisting lowand middle-income taxpayers by appointment at several clinics scheduled at the COA building on South Lincoln Road in Union Township and two remote locations, COA Director Jennifer Crawford said.

Clinics are scheduled for most Wednesdays and Thursdays in the activity center at the COA through April 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; eligible residents are asked to call to check the schedule.

Other clinics are set for March 5 and March 19 at the Weidman library; and March 12 at the Coe Township Library.

Volunteers who are working at the tax clinics are required to pass an IRS test before they can prepare returns, Crawford said.

The tax preparers will handle federal and Michigan tax returns that are within the scope of their training, which includes homestead property tax and home heating credits, as well as most state and federal 1040 returns, according to Crawford.

Tax preparation at all of the sites in Isabella County are by appointment only by calling the COA at 989-772-0748.

Those who are self-employed, who have rental property, large amounts of stock transactions or have sold non-homestead property should consult a professional tax preparer, according to AARP, which is also offering a “Virtual Tax Preparation” free service.

In VTP, the taxpayer will prepare their own return with assistance from a certified AARP tax volunteer using reputable online service, Crawford said.

Those wanting to use VTP must have a computer with internet access, an email address and a printer; they can go to taxaide.aarp.org to request an appointment.