Beginning this week and continuing through April 15, the AARP Foundation is providing free in-person tax assistance and preparation in Hawaii through its Tax-Aide program, the nation’s largest volunteer run free tax preparation service.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide started in 1968 with just four volunteers working at one site. Today, nearly 35,000 volunteers serve low- to moderate-income taxpayers at 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers nationwide. There’s no fee, and AARP membership is not required.
“Tax Aide is a valuable and free service that helps thousands of people in Hawaii,” said Keali‘i Lopez, state director of AARP Hawaii. “Our volunteers and tax software can help taxpayers get the return they are entitled to.”
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. In 2019, the program’s volunteers helped 2.5 million people navigate complicated tax codes, ensure proper credits and deductions, and file their federal and state tax returns. Taxpayers who used the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.4 billion in income tax refunds and more than $200 million in earned income tax credits. They also avoided any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or refund loans.
Last year in Hawaii, 214 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped people file 15,648 federal and state tax returns. Tax refunds totaled nearly $4.8 million, including $786,718 in earned income tax credits.
To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).
Big Island sites and schedules:
Hilo: A & D Resource Center, 1055 Kinoole St.
Dates: Feb. 4 to April 14 (closed March 26)
Hours: Tuesdays 8:30 a.m.to 12:30 p.m.; Thursdays 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (appointment required)
Contact: (808) 961-8777
Captain Cook: Yano Hall, 82-6156 Mamalahoa Hwy.
Dates: Feb. 5 to April 8
Hours: Wednesdays 9 a.m. to noon (walk-ins)
Kailua-Kona: Catholic Charities, 73-5618 Maiau Street, Ste B201
Dates: Feb. 2 to April 7 (closed March 3)
Hours: Tuesdays noon to 4 p.m. (walk-ins after 2 p.m.)
For appointment, contact: (808) 498-7309
Kailua-Kona: Hale Halawai Comm. Ctr, 75-5760 Ali‘i Drive
Dates: Feb. 6 to April 9.
Hours: Thursdays 8 a.m.to noon (walk-ins only)
Waimea: Waimea Community Center, 65-1260 Kawaihae Road
Dates: Jan. 31 to April 10 (closed March 20)
Hours: Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (appointment required)
Contact: (808) 388-6645/885-4722