Get your taxes done at no cost to you

Now that the holidays are over, it's that time of year to think about tax season which is just around the corner.

This year Missoula Aging Services/Seeley-Swan Resource Center has coordinated with the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide services to provide in-person, no-cost tax assistance, preparation and electronic filing Feb. 25 and March 24 at the Seeley Lake Community Foundation building, 3150 Highway 83. Trained volunteers provide this service to taxpayers of all ages. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, is the nation's largest volunteer run free tax preparation service. There's no fee and AARP membership is not required.

Please call Linda Howard, Seeley-Swan Resource Specialist at 406-541-7688 beginning Jan. 20 to make an appointment.

When you come to your appointment be sure to bring:

• Your photo ID

• Social Security card

• A copy of last year's tax return

• All income documents, brokerage statements and checking or savings account info for direct deposit

• While the standard deduction for federal taxes has been increased, we will still need information on your deductions for Montana State Income Taxes

We will also offer eligibility screening for three property tax savings programs: 1. Elderly Renter/Homeowner Tax Credit (2EC), 2. Property Tax Assistance Program (PTAP), and 3. Montana Disabled Veterans (MDV) Assistance Program which helps disabled veterans or their unmarried surviving spouse by reducing the property tax rate on their home. The veteran must have 100 percent disability from an injury related to service.

In addition to appointment only, no-cost tax preparation services in Seeley Lake on two Tuesdays, Feb. 25 and March 24 (call 406-541-7688 beginning Jan. 20); there are no-cost tax preparation services available at the Missoula Senior Center by appointment only (call 406-543-7154 beginning Jan. 20) and walk-in appointments at the Missoula Public Library on two Saturdays Feb. 22 and March 14 from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. The walk-in appointments at the Library will be on a first-come, first-served basis for those taxpayers with simple returns (no self-employment or complex investments please).

If you cannot make your scheduled appointment, please call so we can schedule someone else in your place.

Wishing you the very best of health in 2020,

Linda