Oregon — For many Oregonians, tax season brings anxiety over potential mistakes, privacy concerns, and the cost of professional assistance. State officials say free help is widely available.
Through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE), and AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites, taxpayers have access to more than 107 locations statewide offering free, in-person tax preparation services. Online filing assistance is also available through United Way’s MyFreeTaxes program.
The IRS-sponsored VITA program, operating for more than 50 years, provides free basic tax return preparation to individuals who generally earn $69,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and taxpayers with limited English proficiency.
Tax-Aide offers multiple free options depending on location. Taxpayers may have their returns prepared and electronically filed by IRS-certified counselors, or they can prepare their own returns using free software with assistance available if needed. Once completed, returns are reviewed, approved, signed by the taxpayer, and electronically submitted to the IRS and the Oregon Department of Revenue.
In addition, Department of Revenue volunteers will provide guided assistance at select WorkSource Oregon centers. These events allow taxpayers to use free public-access computers and Wi-Fi to complete their filings.
Upcoming WorkSource Oregon events, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., include:
- Feb. 25 — Beaverton, 241 SE Edgeway Drive
- March 4 — Eugene, 2510 Oakmont Way
- March 11 — Portland, 6401 SE Foster Road
- March 18 — Lebanon, 44 Industrial Way
- March 25 — Bend, 11007 SW Emkay Drive
Taxpayers planning to use Direct File Oregon are encouraged to create a Revenue Online account through the Oregon Department of Revenue website before attending an event.
Those seeking assistance should bring the following:
- Social Security numbers or ITINs for everyone listed on the return
- Forms W-2 (wages)
- Forms 1099-G, 1099-R, 1099-INT (if applicable)
- Form SSA-1099 (Social Security benefits)
- Bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit
- Last year’s tax return
Officials encourage taxpayers to make an appointment at a free tax help site near you by using the links for each organization on the Department of Revenue’s webpage, or consult the department’s interactive map.
State leaders say the goal is to ensure Oregonians can file accurate returns without financial barriers during tax season.
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