Free Tax Help Now Available for Older Adults in South Dakota

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is providing free in-person and virtual tax assistance and preparation now through April 15.

For the 2024 tax season, nearly 28,000 volunteers helped almost 1.7 million taxpayers, the majority of whom were adults over 50 with low income. Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS, and AARP membership is not required.

“AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has provided free tax assistance to millions of low-income Americans for well over 50 years,” said Erik Gaikowski, AARP South Dakota State Director. “Even modest refunds are a lifeline for older adults, many of whom live on a fixed income, and it’s crucial they do not miss out on the credits and deductions they have earned and need.”

Tax-Aide volunteers provide free tax preparation and filing services to all with a focus on adults with low to moderate income. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. There are several options for this program, but access to the different types of assistance varies by location:

• In-Person Service: Tax preparation completed by an IRS-certified Tax-Aide volunteer on-site.
• One-Visit Scan (Internet Access Required): Tax documents are scanned at the Tax-Aide site and then Tax-Aide volunteers prepare the return remotely.
• Two-Visit Scan: Tax documents are scanned at the Tax-Aide site and then volunteers prepare the return remotely. During a second visit, taxpayers work with a volunteer to finalize their return and obtain a printed copy for their records.
• Drop Off Service: Tax documents are left at the Tax-Aide site with a volunteer and the return is prepared remotely. During a second visit, taxpayers work with a volunteer to file their return and obtain a printed copy and their original documents.
• No Site Visit Required (Internet Access Required): Taxpayers upload tax documents to the IRS-provided software. Tax-Aide volunteers prepare the return remotely and work with the taxpayer to file the return electronically.
• Online Coaching: Taxpayers prepare their own return and receive online support from a volunteer to help them along the way.
• Facilitated Self-Assistance: Taxpayers schedule an appointment at a Tax-Aide site to work with a volunteer to complete and file their own return.
• Self-Preparation: Taxpayers prepare their own return using a software product that has been made available through the Tax-Aide website.

South Dakota Tax-Aide Locations

ABERDEEN



Presentation Strode Center | 1500 N. Main Street | Available through April 8
Tuesday and Thursdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Call 605-622-0750.

Drive to north side of the Strode Center, then turn left. Parking lot and entrance toward the west side of building.

BROOKINGS



515 3^rd Street | Available through April 3
Thursdays 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Call 605-627-1793.

Call for an appointment when you have ALL 2024 tax documents. If you need to reschedule your appointment, call the same number. This Tax-Aide site is not using any online links.

CUSTER



Custer County Library | 447 Crook Street, Suite 4 | Available through April 15
Mondays 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Call  605-574-1730.

PIERRE



Pierre Senior Center | 401 W. Pleasant Drive | Available through April 15
Monday-Wednesday 1:00-4:30 p.m.
Call 605-224-7730.

RAPID CITY



AARP SD Information Center | Uptown Rapid, 2200 N. Maple Avenue | Available through April 15
Thursdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Call 605-574-1730.

SIOUX FALLS



Active Generations | 2300 W 46TH ST, Room 202 | Available through April 11
Monday-Thursday 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-4:30 p.m.
Friday 8:30-11:30 a.m.
Saturday 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.

Call the Helpline Center at 211 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.) to schedule. You will need to pick up a packet of information at Active Generations PRIOR to your appointment date. Please note there are exceptions for types of returns that cannot be processed with a Tax-Aide volunteer. Bring ALL tax documents to your appointment, including completed forms, Social Security Card(s) and Photo ID. In the event of the death of a spouse in 2024, please bring a copy of the death certificate.

 
Users can also find Tax-Aide locations and assistance options through the Tax-Aide site locator. The site locator features a Tax-Aide chat bot that can help book an appointment, answer questions about the program, and transfer the conversation to a live agent if needed or requested. For more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).