Alliance on Aging offers free tax-prep help to low-income seniors across Monterey County

The Alliance on Aging is offering free tax-preparation services to low-income taxpayers age 60 and older at multiple sites across Monterey County, the agency said. "All our services are free," said Rita Hill, tax program coordinator with the Alliance on Aging, adding that roughly 30 trained volunteers prepare returns and e-file them for clients.

Hill listed program sites that include Monterey-area community sites and branches of the Monterey County Free Libraries (Marina, Greenfield and King City), plus the Alliance on Aging Hub and other partner locations. Appointments are required; Hill said clients can schedule at the Alliance on Aging website or by calling the agency’s scheduling line.

The volunteers help clients determine filing requirements, correct filing status, deductions and credits, and available payment options. Hill described common client incomes (W-2s, pensions, IRAs, Social Security) and said volunteers help identify whether itemizing or taking the standard deduction is appropriate. She said volunteers also help clients set up payment plans if they owe and can assist with estimated-tax questions after filing.

Hill reviewed documentation clients should bring: a photo ID, Social Security numbers or ITINs for taxpayers and dependents, last year’s tax return if available, and bank name/account/routing for direct deposit. Hill also said the Alliance verifies returns internally (two people review each return) and works with retired IRS volunteers and the state Franchise Tax Board on training and quality oversight.

Hill presented several recent or proposed changes as program guidance: she said parts of a broad tax bill include a claim that there is "no federal income tax on overtime pay" and that there is "no federal income tax on tips," and she described a senior tax credit she characterized as "$6,000 per senior." Those statements were presented by Hill as summaries of legislative changes and program guidance; they are reported here as claims made in the briefing and attributed to her. Hill also advised clients that the IRS is favoring direct deposit for refunds and that paper checks can be delayed.

To schedule an appointment or for details about languages and accommodations, the Alliance on Aging directs residents to its website and scheduling tool and to contact its program staff; the agency said bilingual volunteers and Spanish-language materials are available and that volunteers can assist homebound clients when needed.