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Hernando Today

AARP Offers Free Tax Help

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TONY HOLT

Published: February 7, 2008

SPRING HILL - SPRING HILL - Whether you're an individual or you're filing on behalf of a family of five, you can use the service.

If you live off Social Security wages or rake in a robust income running a small business, you can use the service.

From Feb. 1 through April 15, thousands in Hernando County do take advantage of the AARP's Tax-Aide Program.

It is income tax season and every year for the past 40 years, the AARP has trained volunteers on how to file taxes for residents – mainly those 60 and older or those in the low- and mid-income brackets.

"We are trained to help individuals, families and seniors," said AARP tax councilor Barbara Perry. "We help people who need it."

There are no income limits and people who come in to have their taxes done are not required to be an AARP member.

"We think it's a great opportunity for our members to give back as volunteers," said AARP spokesman Jeff Johnson. "They offer help during what can be a very bewildering process for some people."

Perry said she has seen customers return year after year to the same location while hundreds of others are using the service for the first time.

High Point resident Phyllis Ogilvie was one of those first-timers. She got her taxes done at the local club house Wednesday afternoon.

She was there for a while because she didn't realize she could have her refund directly deposited to her account. In spite of the extra waiting time, she was satisfied with the results – particularly the cost.

"It's convenient and it's free," said Ogilvie, who previously paid to have H&R Block assist her.

"They just keep going up," she said of those tax-assistance franchises.

Perry said those who expect a check from the Internal Revenue Service typically arrive early in the season. Those who owe money often wait until the end. Either way, there is hardly a lull anywhere during the two-and-a-half-month period. "If it's anything like last year, we will have people coming in all season long," she said.

AARP volunteers who assist customers must read a text book and pass a test before they are eligible to take the class.

The class itself lasts one week, which Perry describes as "intensive."

There are two more tests volunteers must take at the end of the week. If they pass all three, they are eligible to do taxes.

The process is done electronically, so people receiving refunds can get them mailed or deposited as soon as possible. Secondly, if there is a mistake (Social Security error, name change, address dispute, etc.), the IRS will notify the volunteer immediately. Customers who do their own taxes and mail it in do not have that luxury, Perry said.

Those who owe money to the government may still file early and collect a voucher. That voucher can be paid up until the last day of the tax season.

AARP Tax-Aide is free and available from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday through April 15 at the following locations:

Monday – Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 6193 Spring Hill Drive, and Grace World Outreach Church, 20366 Cortez Blvd.

Tuesday – First United Methodist Church, 9344 Spring Hill Drive, and the Brooksville Enrichment Center, 670 S. Broad St.

Wednesday – High Point Community club house, 12249 Clubhouse Road.

Thursday – First United Methodist Church, 9344 Spring Hill Drive, Forest Oaks Villas Clubhouse, 8125 Forest Villa Circle, and Spring Hill Enrichment Center, 11375 Cortez Blvd.

Friday – Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge #521, 5214 Mariner Blvd., Brookridge Clubhouse, 8150 Hampton St., and The Heather Clubhouse, 9199 Nokomis Way.

Reporter Tony Holt can be reached at 352-544-5283 or wholt@hernandotoday.com.

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