A program that offers free tax preparation service has returned to Alliance after a 14-year pause.
The Tax Aid Program, which is offered through the AARP Foundation, recently restarted in Alliance after it was able to gain traction once again, and is open to anyone. Randy Waggener, who oversees the program in Alliance, said that they offer their services at the Alliance Public Library, and will be available through the end of the tax season.
“The last volunteer that we had doing free tax services was Pete Taylor, but it’s been 14 years since he did that,” said Waggener. “He worked, primarily, out of the library at that point in time, and that’s where we’re working out of is the library. So they reopened the Tax Aid site there. I started working with the IRS and became certified a couple years ago. I fell into this AARP, which is a lot more supportive of their local volunteers. The preparers and greeters are all volunteers. Right now, we’ve got two preparers, one prepares and the other reviews. Every return has to be reviewed by a second person. We have one greeter, soon to be two, and they help with the initial sorting of the papers. We’re fortunate to have some really good quality people to help people with their taxes, especially being the first year.”
The program has open time slots in the afternoon on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday each week from 12-4, or 5, depending on the day.
“People, when I talk to them, they pay $200 to $300 for a tax return, and if it’s just a simple return, that’s quite a bit to pay for a real simple return,” Waggener said. “Even the accountants are giving our information out because they feel bad when they have to charge someone $200 for just a simple return, or even a return just to get the Homestead Exemption. That’s something we can help them with also.”
People may make an appointment by calling 402-238-1323, or by visiting the Alliance Public Library during the hours they are there.