Chula Vista residents needing assistance filing their taxes this season may visit the Chula Vista Civic Library for free help.
AARP TaxAide will provide free tax service every Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until April 14. Those requesting help can schedule an appointment at the library, typically made within two days, though walk-ins are available with a slight wait is expected.
Services include filing both federal and state tax returns, filing them electronically, giving participants copies of their returns before they leave, and preparing taxes up to three years back to 2018.
Every year, the Chula Vista Public Library teams up with AARP to offer free tax preparation services on a first-come-first-serve basis. English and Spanish services are available, and special attention will be given to given to residents over 60 and low and middle-income residents.
According to AARP TaxAide local coordinator and Chula Vista resident Seme Newlin, those working to prepare taxes are all trained and unpaid volunteers who undergo three tax exams each year. Those who make over $100,000 are encouraged to see a paid preparer.
Those requesting help should bring proof of identification, personal information such as social security or Individual Tax Identification Number, birthdates, wage and earning statements, and other financial information. A checklist can be found on the Internal Revenue Service webpage.
According to the IRS, last year's average tax refund was more than $2,800. More than 160 million individual tax returns for the 2021 tax year are expected to be filed, with the vast majority of those coming before the traditional April tax deadline.
The filing deadline to submit 2021 tax returns or an extension to file and pay the tax owed is Monday, April 18, 2022, for most taxpayers. Taxpayers requesting an extension will have until Monday, October 17, 2022, to file.
