Free Tax Preparation Assistance in Berkshire County
By Roger Suters
From February 1 through April 15 free tax preparation assistance is available through the Tax-Aide Program, sponsored by the AARP Foundation for all middle and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those aged 60 and older. Volunteers have been trained in cooperation with the IRS and will assist in filling out 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.
Listed below are the Berkshire County sites including Councils on Aging (COA) offering this service, the tax preparation assistance schedule for volunteer availability, and telephone numbers for making appointments:
Dalton: Community House, 400 Main Street (684-2000)
Noon-4 p.m. - Wednesdays
Great Barrington: COA Senior Center, 909 South Street (528-1881)
9 a.m.-noon - alternate Thursdays (starts Feb 2)
Lee: COA Senior Center, 21 Crossway Street (243-5545)
9 a.m.-noon - alternate Wednesdays (starts Feb 8)
Lenox: Community Center, 65 Walker Street (637-5535)
9 a.m.-noon - alternate Thursdays (starts Feb 9)
North Adams: Spitzer Senior Center, 116 Ashland Street (662-3125)
9 a.m.-noon - Tuesdays
Pittsfield: Froio Senior Center, 330 North Street (499-9346)
9 a.m.-noon - Wednesdays & Saturdays
Williamstown: Harper Center, 118 Church Street (458-8250)
6 -9 p.m. Tuesdays & 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays.
For additional information please contact the Information and Referral Department of Elder Services at 499-0524 or toll free at 1-800-544-5242.
Roger Suters is the Director of Community Services and oversees Elder Services’ Area Agency on Aging functions.
Editor's Note: Watch Berkshire Senior TV in February for a show entitled, "Social Security and Retirement."
