AARP offers tax-aide program

The AARP Tax-Aide program provides free federal and state income tax preparation and electronic filing to low-and moderate-income individuals.

Returns are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers. The program is funded by the AARP Foundation, a tax-exempt charitable organization, and the IRS.

Counselors will help individuals navigate the 2023 federal and Maine income tax returns. People do not need to be an AARP member to use this service.

Those who were told that they didn’t have to file a tax return, and as a result they didn’t, may be leaving money on the table. The majority of low-income Mainers qualify for $130 (or more) of Property Tax Fairness Credit (PTFC) and/or Sales Tax Fairness Credit (STFC) from the state of Maine. But to get the credits they must file a Maine tax return.

Assistance is available by appointment only at the following sites from Jan. 30 to April 15.

Augusta: Buker Community Center, 22 Armory St. from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 207-582-3053 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to make an appointment.

Hallowell: Cohen Community Center, 22 Town Farm Road from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 207-620-1183 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to make an appointment.

Madison: Crossroads Bible Church, 705 White Schoolhouse Road from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Call 207-431-4933 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. for an appointment.

Fairfield: Fairfield Community Center, 61 Water St. from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 207-431-4933 Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to make an appointment.