Tax Aide Series Helps Alaskans Prepare

The 2022 tax season is fast approaching! AARP Alaska and Tax Aide volunteer experts are standing by to help. Read on for a message from the incoming Anchorage Tax-Aide Coordinator, Roger Marks, and to see a list of upcoming tax preparation webinars (starting in November 2021 and closing in April 2022).

A Message from the New AARP Tax-Aide Anchorage Coordinator

Roger Marks  

Many of you for years have had your tax returns prepared by Jan Watson, AARP Foundation Tax Aide Anchorage coordinator.  She was a familiar face at the AARP State Office and Anchorage Senior Activity Center.  Jan took a well-deserved retirement this year and moved to the Lower 48.  I was asked, and agreed, to fill her role. These will be big shoes to fill, and I am still on my learning curve.

I have been with the program for eight years, and have prepared returns at most sites in Anchorage. I have coordinated the Spenard Recreation Center site for five years. As background, I was a tax economist with the Alaska Department of Revenue for 25 years.

I believe strongly in the Tax Aide program, as do our volunteers. Our objective will continue to be preparing accurate returns for taxpayers in a timely, safe, and courteous manner.  

Last year was very challenging for everyone. Our primary goal was to keep taxpayers and volunteers safe. Unfortunately, this added to the complexity of preparing returns, which reduced the number we could complete. It is unclear at this time which tax preparation delivery model will be in place for the upcoming year, but again, safety will be the priority.      

2022 Tax Preparation webinars, offered by Tax Aide and AARP Alaska

Wednesday, November 17, 2021, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Ask Tax Aide: What is Tax Aide
Join AARP Tax Aide volunteers to get your questions answered during this 1-hour virtual presentation. This presentation will focus on: 

• What is Tax-Aide?
• What is the AARP Foundation?
• How does the Tax-Aide program fit with other AARP programs/benefits? 
• Who does Tax-Aide serve?
• What tax situations are in (or out) of scope? 
• How does Tax-Aide prepare taxes?
• Who are Tax-Aide volunteers? 
• How can I volunteer with Tax-Aide?

Watch the November 17 webinar here.

Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Ask Tax Aide: Organization of Records
Join AARP Tax Aide volunteers to get your questions answered during this 1-hour virtual presentation. This presentation will focus on: 

• How do I organize my records and tax documents to get ready for smooth, easy tax preparation, as well as what do I bring when I meet with a tax preparer? 
• What if I failed to file taxes in a previous year?
• What about tax credits or refunds from prior years? 

Watch the December 15 webinar here.

Wednesday, January 19, 2022, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Ask Tax Aide: Household questions
Join AARP Tax Aide volunteers to get your questions answered during this 1-hour virtual presentation. This presentation will focus on: 

• What is a tax household?
• Who are my dependents? 
• When do dependents need to file their own tax return and how? 

Watch the January 19 webinar here.

Wednesday, February 16, 2022, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Ask Tax Aide: What Has Changed Since Last Year?
Join AARP Tax Aide volunteers to get your questions answered during this 1-hour virtual presentation. This presentation will focus on: 

• Tax law changes for 2021 including: the Rebate Recovery, Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, Child & Dependent Care Credit, Charitable Donations, and Credits for self-employed business owners impacted by COVID
  

Watch the February 16 webinar here.

Wednesday, March 16, 2022, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Ask Tax Aide: How Does Retirement Affect My Taxes?

Join AARP Tax Aide volunteers to get your questions answered during this 1-hour virtual presentation. This presentation will focus on: 

• Your retirement investments and your taxes
• How does withdrawal from retirement savings to help family impact your taxes? 

Watch the March 16 webinar here.

Wednesday, April 13, 2022, 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, Ask Tax Aide: How Do I File an Extension?

Join AARP Tax Aide volunteers to get your questions answered during this 1-hour virtual presentation. This presentation will focus on: 

• Planning for the next tax year
• What if I cannot pay my taxes?
• How to file an extension if you cannot meet the filing deadline

Watch the April 13 webinar here.