The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program will be hosted by the Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave., from Feb. 1 through April 14.
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program provides free, confidential income tax preparation, counseling services, and e-filing for federal and state income tax returns, according to information provided by the library and the program.
All returns are prepared by IRS-certified AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers who are trained on the 2022 tax law. This service is available to everyone regardless of age or income. AARP membership is not required to use the Tax-Aide service.
From Feb. 1-17, Tax-Aide will be walk-in only -- no appointments -- Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Beginning Feb. 21, the hours will be 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday for walk-ins/first-come, first-served.
The library will be closed on Monday, Feb. 20, for a state holiday.
Wednesdays are by appointment only, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday appointments are intended for taxpayers with multiple documents or complex returns. Appointments require two visits, scheduled one week apart.
To schedule an appointment, call 501-881-4832 beginning Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
"We have merged the Hot Springs Village and Hot Springs tax sites into one site at Garland County Library because of the ability to social distance and lack of volunteers to run both sites," the program said in a news release.
"Our top priority has always been a quality, accurate tax return and this year your safety, the library staff and the safety of our volunteers are top priorities as well.
"Everyone must wear a paper mask in and around the tax prep area and around Tax-Aide volunteers, no exceptions! We will be spraying your hands with alcohol and sanitizing the chairs and tables between each taxpayer(s)," the release said.
Visit http://www.gclibrary.com to review a list of all required documents and other information for Tax-Aide assistance.
AARP Tax-Aide volunteers request that tax filers come prepared with all required documents. "Please be considerate of Tax-Aide volunteers and understand that they are performing a free service to the community. Library staff cannot answer tax-related questions," the release said.
When visiting an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide location, bring the following:
• Picture ID of tax filer and spouse if filing a joint return.
• Original Social Security card (or original Social Security statement) for everyone listed on the tax return.
• The following income-related documents: 1099s, W-2s, SS statements, interest statements, dividend statements, brokerage statements (all pages), gambling statements, income such as self-employment, and any other information related to income.
• The following expense-related documents: taxes paid, mortgage interest, property taxes, medical, charity, tuition statements, child care statements, business expenses if self-employed, and any other information related to expenses.
• 1095-A, if the tax filer has marketplace health insurance (Obamacare).
• 2021 tax return envelope.
• For direct deposit of refunds, a check or documentation of bank routing and account number printed by the banking institution. No handwritten routing/account numbers.
• A personal ink pen.
Additional information:
• AARP volunteers will begin preparing returns that have a 1099B (the sale of stocks, bonds, or mutual funds) after March 15, as brokerage statements are not required to be in the mail until mid-March.
• AARP volunteers will not prepare income tax returns from any state other than Arkansas.
• Tax filers must be full-year residents of Arkansas. Volunteers will not prepare part-year tax returns due to software limitations.
• Tax-Aide availability is subject to change at any time.