Tax Time

It is that time of year. However, again this year, for many folks it couldn’t be much easier because the American Association of Retired People, known as AARP, and the friendly folks from the Internal Revenue Service, known as the IRS, are sponsoring the “TAX-AIDE” program. The program is a nation-wide free service for low-and-middle-income taxpayers of all ages and is available this year February 2 – April 14.

The program is available locally in three different locations. ALL LOCATIONS REQUIRE APPOINTMENTS!

One location is at the Port Townsend Community Center with appointments available for Tuesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can make an appointment by calling 360-302-2056.

A second location is at the Quilcene Community Center on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You can make an appointment in Quilcene by calling 360-302-2340.

The location which may be of most interest to folks in Port Ludlow is at the Tri-Area Community Center in Chimacum. That location is available for appointments on Mondays and Thursdays, from noon to 4 p.m. You need to schedule your appointment by calling 360-504-8882.

To make appointments online for any of these locations use the URL or QR code below. Or go to: aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations/

When going to your appointment you need to bring the following:

·      Photo ID (REQUIRED)

·      Social Security cards for the taxpayer, spouse, and dependents (REQUIRED)

·      Prior year tax returns – (2023 and 2024 if you have them)

·      W-2s, 1099s, and all documents necessary to complete the 2025 tax return.

·      Form 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace statement, if you received one.

·      Bank account and routing ID numbers. A voided check will typically suffice if direct deposit to our account or direct debit from your account is desired.

This program has been extensively used by locals in the past and is expected to be heavily used again this year. As a result, making your appointment as soon as possible is well-advised. This service has been well received by taxpayers in the past and demand for it continues to grow. Consequently, gather up your documents and make your appointment to get your tax preparation out of the way early this year!