Okanogan County residents offered free tax preparation assistance

BREWSTER – Okanogan County residents are eligible for no-cost help preparing their federal tax returns through a program called Tax-Aide offered by the Association for the Advancement of Retired People (AARP) Foundation.

Brewster attorney Lainie Hammond told a meeting of the Brewster Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, Feb. 6, that with few restrictions, every county resident was eligible owing to the county’s low economic ranking.

“You don’t have to be a senior citizen; you don’t have to be low income; and you don’t have to be a U.S. citizen, Hammond said.

Income breakdowns by county through 2014 show that Okanogan ranks 33 among the state’s 39 counties with a per capita income of $21,483, compared to the state average of $31,233.

An AARP spokesman reached at the organization’s toll-free number (888) 227-7669 said that while the free tax service is aimed at the low-to-moderate-income group there was no designated cutoff amount and anyone who requested help would receive it.

Those wanting to take advantage of the free service must schedule an appointment by calling (509) 486-1115. Locations are at Omak, Oroville and Grand Coulee and Hammond is hoping to soon offer a site in Brewster for south county residents.