The AARP Tax-Aide program provides free federal and state income tax preparation and electronic filing to low- and moderate-income individuals.

Returns are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers. The program is funded by the AARP Foundation, a tax-exempt charitable organization, and the IRS, according to a news release from Christine Stenberg, district coordinator.

Counselors will help individuals navigate the 2022 federal and Maine income tax returns. One does not need to be an AARP member to use this service.

Assistance is available by appointment only at the following sites from Tuesday, Jan. 31 to Wednesday, April 19.

Augusta: Buker Community Center, 22 Armory St., 8:15 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. Mondays and Fridays. Call 207-582-3053 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. only to make an appointment.

Hallowell: Cohen Community Center, 22 Town Farm Road, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays. Call 207-626-7777 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an appointment.

Madison: Crossroads Bible Church, 705 White Schoolhouse Road, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mondays. Call 207-431-4933 Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. only for an appointment.

Those who were told that they didn’t have to file a tax return, and as a result did not, may be leaving money on the table, according to Stenberg. The majority of low income Mainers qualify for $130 or more of Property Tax Fairness Credit and/or Sales Tax Fairness Credit from the state of Maine. However, in order to get the credits they must file a Maine tax return.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will file tax returns for free.

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