Free tax preparation assistance in Berkshire County
By Roger Suters
Free tax preparation assistance is available to all middle and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those aged 60 and older, from February 1 through April 15 thanks to the Tax-Aide Program sponsored by the AARP Foundation. Volunteers, trained in cooperation with the IRS, will assist in filling out federal and Massachusetts tax forms, with an option to file electronically. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service, which is to be offered at seven sites throughout the county.
AARP Free Tax Preparation Assistance
Below are the Berkshire County sites offering free tax preparation assistance, the schedule for tax preparation assistance availability, and telephone numbers for making appointments:
Dalton – Community House, 400 Main Street (684-2000)
Noon - 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays
Great Barrington – COA Senior Center, 909 South St. (528-1881)
9 a.m. - noon on alternate Wednesdays; starts February 6
Lee – COA Senior Center, 21 Crossway Street (243-5545)
9 a.m. - noon on alternate Wednesdays; starts February 13
Lenox – Community Center, 65 Walker Street (637-5535)
9 a.m. - noon on alternate Thursdays; starts February 7
North Adams – Spitzer Senior Center, 116 Ashland St. (662-3125)
9 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Wednesdays
Pittsfield – Froio Senior Center, 330 North St. (499-9346)
9 a.m. - noon on Wednesdays & Saturdays
Williamstown – Harper Center, 118 Church St. (458-8250)
6 - 9 p.m. on Tuesdays & 9 a.m. - noon on Saturdays
For additional information, please contact Elder Services Information and Referral Department at 499-0524 or toll free at 1-800-544-5242.
Editor’s Note: For more information about this program, watch for Berkshire Senior TV’s “Tax Aide for Seniors” to be aired in February. Roger Suters is the Director of Community Services and oversees the Area Agency on Aging programs of Elder Services.
