AARP Tax-Aide finished strong on April 15, completing and e-filing a record 436 returns at the Oakmont site, an increase of 18% over the prior year. We also helped many residents find times at other Tax-Aides sites in Sonoma County when Oakmont became full. We would love to help more taxpayers, but really need more volunteers – especially those willing to prepare tax returns – to keep growing the program.
Tax-Aide is an all-volunteer program and relies on community members volunteering their time and talents for this worthwhile program. You do not need to currently be a tax expert – AARP provides the training, mentoring, support and supplies. A familiarity with computers, no fear of numbers and a desire to help others is all that is needed. Sonoma County Tax-Aide will be holding a special new counselor training session later this Summer. If you are interested or want more information, call 707-327-2401.
You may not know that Sonoma County Tax-Aide also runs a Summer Tax Clinic from May to October, helping taxpayers who may not have filed their current or a prior year return, as well as assisting people who receive letters from the IRS or Franchise Tax Board. Call 707-582-0251 for an appointment or 707-327-2401 with questions.
Finally, a tax tip for 2026. Keep records of any charitable contributions you make this year. Starting next year, the IRS will allow all taxpayers to deduct up to $1,000 ($2,000 for married filing jointly) in donations to qualified 501(c)(3) charities. The donations must be made in cash, check or credit card (not donated items). You do not need to itemize to take this deduction. As a reminder, political contributions and gift to friends, family and go-fund-me are not eligible for this deduction.