Seattle Press on Line - Free Tax Assistance

Free Tax Assistance

Feb 14, 2002 -- People are turning a wary eye to the calendar as April 15 becomes less and less of a distant future. As the dreaded tax time encroaches on more joyous thoughts of spring, some Seattle groups have taken it upon themselves to make this terrifying task less, well, taxing.

The Cascade People's Center offers tax aid each Saturday until April 13. Anyone may attend, but an appointment is necessary. At least three people must sign up for a given session to proceed. For information, or to schedule an appointment, call 587-0320.

The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is offering free help to people of low or moderate incomes. Certified volunteer counselors will be on hand at 18 north end sites to help people fill out their income tax forms. Neighborhoods that have tax aide sites include Ballard, Bitter Lake/Broadview, Capitol Hill, Greenwood, Inverness, Magnolia/Queen Anne, Northgate/Lake City, Ravenna/University, Shoreline and Wallingford. Electronic filing is available at the Ballard Library, Northwest Senior Center, Queen Anne Library and Magnolia Community Center.

Assistance is generally by appointment. Individuals should bring along copies of their 2000 tax returns, 2001 tax forms and all documents pertaining to this past year's income and deductions. For information on days and times, or to find out about other Seattle-area sites, call 1-888-227-7669 or visit www.aarp.org/taxaide.

Reader Comments

Discuss this article in the forums!

No comments yet!