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Updated: 9:57 PM Feb 10, 2012
News 12 On Your Side: Free Tax Services in CSRA
Taxpayers have chooses when it comes to find a free tax service in the Augusta area.
Posted: 5:27 PM Feb 10, 2012Reporter: Elizabeth Owens Email Address: liz.owens@wrdw.com |
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AUGUSTA, GA-- Free services are available for taxpayers wishing to file this year.
Many taxpayers consider this the most dreaded season of the year. We pay an average of $229 to file our tax returns every year and that's just for a standard 1040.
Taxpayers don't have to pay an arm and leg to file their taxes. There are several free services available in the CSRA.
AARP will file state and federal for free. You don't have to be a senior citizen to take advantage of the service. Trained and certified AARP volunteers are accepting clients at the following locations and times:
-Columbia County Library Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-2pm
-Euchee Creek Library Monday 10am-2pm
-Augusta Richmond Library Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10am-2pm
-Doctors H2U Mondays and Wednesday 9am-1pm
-Jeff Maxwell Library Thursdays 12pm-4pm, Fridays and Saturdays 10am-2pm
H&R Block is offering to file your federal for free through the month of February. "They can be either single or married no children take the standard deduction," Steve Harvey with H&R Block said. They charge $39 to file state returns.
The IRS is also offering a free service through FreeFile. "You can your returns and filed for free from the comfort of your own home," Mark Green with the IRS said.
The best way to avoid getting ripped off by tax prepared is to ask questions. When you are choosing someone to do your taxes ask the following:
- Are you registered with IRS?
-What is your training?
-Do you guarantee the accuracy of your work?
-Are there any hidden costs?
-Do you charge to e-file a return?
If you have a complaint against a tax preparer contact the IRS at 202-622-2207.
News 12 will be a free tax phone hotline (803-442-4550) on Thursday, February 23, from 5-7pm and Thursday, March 22, from 5-7pm.
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