Tax Help Isn't On The Way For Washington County Seniors

MARIETTA, OH — While the federal and Marietta City tax deadlines have been moved out about a month, so far, the Ohio State tax deadline remains April 15. Many low to moderate-income seniors in Washington County who once relied on free tax preparation services, like AARP’s Tax-Aide program, are on their own this year. In years past, there were others offering similar services, but due to Covid-19, they’re sitting this tax season out.

Live in Marietta? Click here to subscribe to our free breaking news alerts delivered to your inbox and mobile devices. Follow Marietta Patch on Facebook and Twitter, and download our free Patch mobile app on Android or iPhone.

Normally folks could call the Washington County Public Library and schedule an AARP Tax-Aide appointment, but they’ve been completely booked for weeks. Shirley Harman is a volunteer with AARP and she says despite the federal and local tax deadlines being extended, they will not be extending their services.

Sandy Woodrich is the volunteer coordinator for the AARP Tax-Aide program here in Washington County. She says they’re not extending their services mainly because they don’t want to. “We are volunteers and we’ve been doing this for 5-6 months. So I don’t know if you want to call it selfish, but we have grandkids we want to see, and we’ve had enough.”

Woodrich said she and the other volunteers decided together to end their service on the date they were scheduled to. She also said that the AARP only had the building they’re using to prepare taxes secured through mid-April. Alexander Guerin, external relations analyst with the AARP, says this year’s tax assistance depends on volunteer availability.

Woodrich has a message to low-income seniors who need help filing taxes. “They’re going to have to go through a paid provider this year.”

Marietta’s Deputy Tax Administrator Bonnie Duff said this is too bad. “It’s sad to have to pay to file taxes when you’re on Social Security.” She said there are online resources, but it could be hard for them to file online because most seniors aren’t generally tech-savvy.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Marietta Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of our latest sponsors? Email any and all inquiries to me at christopher.schmitt@patch.com