Hamlet Senior Center offers free AARP Tax-Aide Program for low-income residents

HAMLET— The Hamlet Senior Center is offering the 2025 AARP Tax-Aide Assistance program for low-income individuals. The program, which is free of charge, is conducted by IRS-recognized AARP-certified volunteers.

The center will have two on-site tax counselors and a quality review individual present to ensure all information is correct before electronically filing returns. The preparers at the senior center are trained only for the 2024 tax year and cannot file for previous years.

“This is not only for those 55 and older or the aging community that most might assume because we are a senior center. It is open to the community as a whole, especially directed at those who are low income,” said Hamlet Senior Center Director Amanda Kempen.

To participate, individuals must pick up an AARP Forms envelope at the Hamlet Senior Center’s welcome station, located at the door facing the parking lot. Once the form is completed, they need to call (910) 582-7985 to make an appointment. Staff encourages securing an appointment via phone call, as in-person visits are not necessary. Documents required at the appointment include photo identification, a tax identification number such as a social security card, a social security statement of benefits (SSA-1099), a verification letter from the Social Security Administration, a printed copy of 202 federal and NC tax returns and all tax forms for the 2024 tax year.

Appointments are available Thursdays through April 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. “Right now we have plenty of availability left for those interested,” Kempen said.

The Tax-Aide Assistance program currently cannot offer tax preparation for active military members but can file for railroad retirees. There is no specific income threshold for eligibility, but preparers will review documents to ensure they align with the program’s scope. If a tax return requires additional assistance, the volunteer preparer will refer the individual to another professional.

Kempen encourages Richmond County residents and those nearby to take advantage of the program. “We’re more than just trips and bingo. We want to offer services not just for the aging community but for those who are in need,” she said. Additional tax-aide locations can be found at www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp-taxaide/locations/.