Juneau’s two free tax return help services have new homes this season.
Both groups will be offering assistance soon, too.
Nora Laughlin and her AARP Foundation Tax-Aides will be at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 9055 Atlin Drive, instead of Nugget Mall.
Laughlin, who earlier this year was in dire need of volunteers, said there are now three people who are pursuing IRS certification to help file returns in time for tax season.
“We’ve had just a fantastic response,” Laughlin said. “The willingness from this community to help has been amazing. I love this place. I’ve got hope.”
Dawn Wesley, owner of Money Matters with Dawn who formerly provided Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) at Tlingit-Haida Regional Housing Authority, and volunteers will now be based in the Downtown Public Library.
“We want to thank the library so much,” Wesley said.
Other partners are United Way of Southeast Alaska, First Bank and Money Matters with Dawn, Wesley said.
They will offer tax help 3-6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays, Feb. 5 through April 9 with the exception of March 19. Volunteers will also be present for three Saturdays 12:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m., Feb. 23, March 30 and April 6.
Additionally, Wesley said volunteers will be in Angoon Feb. 14 through Feb. 16 to help residents of the small, predominantly Alaska Native village.
For more information, Wesley can be contacted at (360)981-0428 or Moneymatterswithdawn@gmail.com.
Laughlin said her group will offer assistance on Mondays likely beginning in mid-February at St. Paul’s. Exact availability times are being determined. Those who would like to inquire about setting up an appointment can call 321-0207.
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Tax Day is April 15
People with large business profits or losses and rental property owners are generally ineligible for both the Tax-Aide and VITA programs.
A list of guidelines for what volunteers can and cannot prepare can be found online at www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3676bsp.pdf and https://assets.aarp.org/www.aarp.org_/articles/taxaide/extranet/taoutofscopeposter111810.pdf.
Those receiving help filing from either group of volunteers must bring their tax forms such as W-2s and 1099s, a picture ID, social security cards for everyone named in the tax return and a prior year return. Additionally, people who want a direct deposit of their refund will need to bring a voided check.
• Contact reporter Ben Hohenstatt at (907)523-2243 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter @BenHohenstatt.
