Tax-Aide to the rescue
LOREN BENOIT/Press file Volunteer Jeff Sherwood follows instructions and tax scenarios during an AARP Tax Aid class last January at Silver Lake Mall.
By DEVIN WEEKS
Staff Writer
Preparing taxes can be overwhelming, confusing and, yes, taxing.
Don't sweat it. Starting Friday, at least 100 dedicated and IRS-trained Tax-Aide volunteers will be on site at several North Idaho locations to help you with your income tax needs.
"Taxes are stressful and there are changes all the time, especially this year, and we can end up helping people get through that little bit of trauma easily," volunteer district coordinator Warren Fisher said Wednesday.
Fisher and his wife, Deb, have volunteered their time and expertise to the program for more than 23 years. That first year, they used pencils and carbon paper to make copies. Now, with modern tech and a robust crew of volunteers, they're able to work faster and help more people.
Last year, Tax-Aide served more than 5,500 North Idaho families. And they're eager to help just as many this year, if not more.
"The thing that we see is when people come into our site, they're nervous, they don't know what the outcome is going to be," Warren said. "An hour later we've finished their return and they're relaxed. Even if they owe money, at least they know how much. You can see a change in their body language. They come in tense and when they leave, they're comfortable that they know what's going on."
Tax-Aide, a program of the AARP Foundation, is a free tax assistance and preparation service that has been helping low- to moderate-income North Idahoans with their taxes for at least three decades. This will be the 31st year Tax-Aide will be partnering with Lake City Center, which hosts Tax-Aide services in the center and at the satellite location in the Silver Lake Mall.
Lake City Center director Bob Small said while Tax-Aide has historically been geared toward older people, "this year, it's wide open to any one of any age."
"We're getting people even in their 20s walking in here to make an appointment," Small said. "In fact, I'm going to have mine done."
Those who use the service don't need to be members of AARP. Just bring your Social Security card (and those of children), a photo ID, last year's (2017) income tax return and all 2018 income documents.
Tax-Aide will provide help through April 15.
Sites and times:
Lake City Center, 1916 Lakewood Drive, Coeur d'Alene - Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays. By appointment only. 208-667-4628.
Silver Lake Mall, 200 W. Hanley Ave., Coeur d'Alene - Mondays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk-ins only.
Post Falls Senior Center, 1215 E. Third Ave. - Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Appointments: 208-773-9582.
Rathdrum Senior Center, 8037 Montana St. - Tuesdays and Thursdays. Appointments: 208-687-2028.
Kellogg Idaho Health and Welfare Office, 35 Wildcat Way. Thursdays. Appointments: 208-786-9010.
Shut-ins, call 208-667-4628.
Info: 208-446-6997