Volunteer tax preparers are gearing up to help Newport County residents file their returns for free beginning in February.
The AARP Tax-Aide program, the nation’s largest free tax preparation service, will operate at 10 sites across the county, from Jamestown to Tiverton. The program served more than 1,800 county residents last year and organizers hope to reach pre-pandemic levels of more than 2,000 returns this year.
The service is free to low- and moderate-income people of all ages. AARP membership is not required.
All volunteer tax preparers pass an IRS certification test each year and are qualified to handle most common federal and state forms and schedules. Complex returns should be taken to paid preparers. All returns are filed electronically for faster refunds.
Residents are encouraged to pick up the required intake form at their chosen site and complete it before their appointment.
Here is a list of locations, start dates and contact information. Schedules may change, and the IRS may delay filing.
Jamestown Philomenian Library (note: site change from Jamestown Senior Center) — Opens Wednesday, Feb. 4. Hours are Wednesdays noon to 4 p.m. and Mondays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointment required. Call 401-423-9804 or email mconlon@jamestownri.net.
Edward King House Senior Center, Newport — Opens Monday, Feb. 2. Hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 9 a.m. to noon. Appointment required. Call 401-846-7426, ext. 4, or email nicole.ekhsc@gmail.com.
Newport Public Library — Opens Thursday, Feb. 5. Hours are Thursdays 3 to 7 p.m. Appointment required. Call 401-846-7426, ext. 4, or email nicole.ekhsc@gmail.com.
Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, Newport — Opens Friday, Feb. 6. Hours are Fridays 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Appointment required. Call 401-846-7426, ext. 4, or email nicole.ekhsc@gmail.com.
Park Holm Senior Center, Newport — Opens Tuesday, Feb. 3. Hours are Tuesdays 9 to 11:30 a.m. Walk-in, drop-off service or sign up at table.
Donovan Manor, 19 Chapel St., Newport (note: location change from Salve Regina’s McKillop Library) — Opens Wednesday, Feb. 4. Hours are Wednesdays 1 to 4 p.m. Walk-in, drop-off service.
Middletown Public Library — Opens Monday, Feb. 2. Hours are Mondays and Wednesdays noon to 4 p.m. and Saturdays 12:30 to 4 p.m. Walk-in service, no appointment needed.
Middletown Senior Center — Opens Tuesday, Feb. 3. Hours are Tuesdays 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Walk-in service, no appointment needed.
Portsmouth Senior Center — Opens Thursday, Feb. 5. Hours are Thursdays and Fridays 9:15 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. Appointment required. Call 401-683-4106 or email pmpsc110@pmpsc.necoxmail.com.
Tiverton Public Library — Opens Wednesday, Feb. 4. Hours are Wednesdays and Thursdays 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., except Thursday, Feb. 19. Walk-in service, no appointment needed.