Free tax service offered to seniors

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  Free tax service offered to seniors

  Victor Valley Daily Press
  By BROOKE SELF
  STAFF WRITER 
  Posted Feb. 3, 2015 @ 10:17 am
  Updated Feb 3, 2015 at 10:23 AM 
  
  

  A group of eight to 10 seniors will be providing free tax services to other local seniors throughout the High Desert starting this week.

  The local volunteers represent AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service.

  “We work with low-to-moderate income taxpayers, especially those 60 and older, to help them get all the deductions and claims they deserve,” said Barbara Ambler, a tax preparer.

  Ambler said the group hopes to reach new people this year.

  “People don’t believe that they can have this done, and it’s for free, and we’re qualified,” Ambler said. “You know, people are suspicious, but there’s no catch. It’s a service.”

  All preparers attend classes every year and all services are provided to the taxpayer at no charger, Ambler said.

  Adelanto City Councilman Charley Glasper is a San Bernardino County District Coordinator for the AARP and said last year the group processed more than 1,600 tax returns totaling approximately $1.3 million.

  “That ain’t no chump change,” he said. “And that money flows back into the Victor Valley.”

  The program has been in effect in the High Desert for 30 years and nationwide since 1968. So far nearly 50 million people across the country have been helped.

  Ambler said all returns are prepared with a computer using the Tax-wise program provided by the IRS, and all returns are E-Filed.

  The following locations are where volunteers will be located 8:30 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday through April 15:

  Mondays — Adelanto Senior Center, 11565 Cortez St., 760-246-5868;

  Tuesdays — Apple Valley Senior Center, 13188 Central Road, 760-985-8970;

  Wednesdays — Victorville Senior Center, 14874 S. Mojave Drive, 760-952-1560;

  Thursdays — Hesperia Leisure League, 9022 Third Avenue, 760-953-2690;

  Fridays — Phelan Senior Center, 4128 Warbler Road, Unit A, 760-247-6466.

  Helendale residents can call Barbara at 760-952-1560. Those interested will be served on a first-come, firstserved basis.