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Uncertain if AARP Tax Aide will return

Tax filing deadline extended

Posted 3/25/20

With the closing of the Sun City Community Assistance Network and other locations, help to residents needing the tax returns filed came to a screeching halt.

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Uncertain if AARP Tax Aide will return

Tax filing deadline extended

Posted

With the closing of the Sun City Community Assistance Network and other locations, help to residents needing the tax returns filed came to a screeching halt.

Whether that service will return for the tax season is uncertain, according to Jim Graff, AARP Tax-Aide coordinator in Sun City.

“This year AARP has instructed us to cease operation ‘for the foreseeable future,’ as a response to the safety and wellbeing of our volunteers and clients,” Mr. Graff stated in an email. “AARP has not given me any estimate as to when we will be allowed to reopen. When we are allowed each office will look to see if reopening this season is practical.”

AARP Foundation’s cessation of the Tax-Aide program is a nationwide decision and affects all Tax-Aide sites, including Peoria, Sun City, Sun City West and Westbrook Village.

However, taxpayers can breath a little easier as the federal government and state of Arizona extended the tax filing deadline to July 15. Mr. Graff stated there is still some confusion about the extension, but what is known is that taxpayers will still be liable for filing their returns and paying any taxes owed. Interest and penalties will be applied to any payment due but not made by the extended filing deadline. Alternatively, if a return is filed late but no tax is due, there is no interest or penalty due, according to Mr. Graff.

Residents who can file their returns on time need do nothing else. Those who cannot file on time can request an extension using forms 4868 and AZ204, according to Mr. Graff. An extension can be requested and tax liability can be paid before filing, he added.

“Please be aware of one important exception, for those taxpayers who are eligible for Arizona’s Property Tax Credit, this return must be filed by July 15, filing after that date requires an extension AZ204 or you will lose your right to claim this refund,” Mr. Graff stated.

Arizona tax credit contributions to qualifying agencies can be made in 2020 and applied to the 2019 state income tax, but these contributions must be made by April 15, according to Mr. Graff.