For the Northern Santa Clara County District (and neighboring Districts), there will be no face-to-face tax appointments with AARP Tax-Aide for the remainder of 2020.
The AARP National Headquarters is attempting to develop alternative ways involving telephone/internet assistance for helping taxpayers with 2019 tax returns. However, given the severe time constraints and perceived limitations, we also want to mention some currently available alternative non-AARP options.
An IRS VITA tax program (through United Way Bay Area) is already giving telephone/internet assistance that avoids face-to-face contact. Although that VITA program has income limits, taxpayers with simple returns can start here.
One simple option already available through AARP sends willing taxpayers directly to a free online site where they can do their own taxes. There are also limitations on income type and total income.
For those who do not find these options suitable, other choices are using a paid web-based tax program, hiring a professional, or waiting patiently for any better options that might appear.
AARP’s Tax Counselors will soon be calling taxpayers who have signed up for assistance to discuss their situation, make suggestions, and address other issues needing assistance (extensions of time to file and possible tax year 2020 needs for estimated taxes).