Free tax programs to take advantage of

We are in the middle of tax season, and if you haven’t started filing yet, you can easily look around and find that many places may provide free tax programs or discounts.

Liberty Tax is offering free tax preparation programs for new clients at their Idaho Falls locations.

March 12 – 17 is teachers and school personnel appreciation week, and March 19 – 24 is first responders appreciation week.

“They come in, provide all their paperwork and we get them a return for free for both them and whatever spouse they might have,” said Hank Houser, a Liberty Tax tax preparer.

Liberty tax is also partnering with the Idaho Falls Community Food Basket. For every item donated you get 1-percent off you tax preparation fees, up to 25-percent.

“We are excited to give back to the community. There’s lots of people in the community that are giving of their talents and their energy to make our community a better place to live. So as new owners of liberty tax, we want to give back to them and thank them for the time that they’re giving to all of us,” said Tereena Barnes, New Owner, Liberty Tax Idaho Falls.

The AARP offers a free tax assistance program as well, and you don’t need an aarp membership to qualify.

“Our target clientele is low and moderate income and seniors,” said Charles Brooks, a training coordinator for AARP Tax Aide in district six.

But the service is available for all ages. If you’re not a senior, its first come first serve. With the roughly 35 volunteer tax consolers, the program lasts until the tax filing deadline on April 17.

“Nobody likes to pay taxes, and there’s a lot of uncertainty and taxes are complex for a lot of people,” Brooks said.

The AARP location for Idaho Falls is at the old boy scouts headquarters on 4th Street.

And Liberty Tax has a referral program at its Idaho Falls locations: $50 for each friend you refer.