NE Iowa RSVP volunteers will provide income tax assistance at the Decorah Public Library starting Tuesday

RSVP volunteers going over the latest tax training information

Northeast Iowa RSVP Volunteers will be providing electronic income tax filing for low to middle income taxpayers (any age) and those over age 60. There is no cost for the service.
 
In Winneshiek County, the services will be provided at the Decorah Public Library on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the tax season from now through April 11th by appointment only. To schedule an appointment, call 563-277-5186.
 
RSVP volunteers serve with the AARP & VITA tax programs in Allamakee, Howard & Winneshiek County. The tax preparation services are also offered at the Cresco and Postville Libraries. Call 563-277-5186 to schedule an appointment. RSVP Volunteers also provide income tax preparation services at the Waukon Extension office at 563-568-6345 through the VITA tax program. An appointment is needed at all sites.

Services are not available for those who are required to file a Schedule "C" (if expenses exceed $25,000) or "F" (farm income) or "E" (rental property) for their business. If counselors feel that your return is not within the AARP scope of service, you may need to seek paid tax assistance.
 
According to Northeast Iowa RSVP Volunteer Program Director Kathy Barloon, "We have 16 trained, certified tax preparers. RSVP volunteers spend every Friday in January going over the latest tax training information in preparation for being certified to provide tax filing services.  All volunteers involved with the program must pass a Standards of Conduct and Intake/Interview & Quality Review test. Those working directly with filing returns must pass a Basic Certification test with many of the volunteers also certifying at the Advanced level and Health Savings Accounts. Certified volunteers serve in pairs and provided tax assistance to 527 low to mid income and elderly clients in 2017."

For more information about the RSVP volunteer program and to learn about other volunteer opportunities in your community, contact Kathy or Kim at the Decorah Public Library 563-277-5181 or toll free 1- 877-806-0623.