Free tax assistance offered by AARP

Free income tax assistance will be available for Minocqua area residents beginning Feb. 9 and continuing through April 12. This service is provided by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Foundation and is available to people with low to moderate income; with special attention to those over the age of 60.

Tax counseling services are offered free of charge by volunteer Tax Aide Counselors trained by the IRS and AARP to assist in tax preparation. The services rendered will include preparation of your 2023 Federal and Wisconsin tax returns and, if applicable, the Wisconsin Homestead Credit.

 To speed up refunds or receipt of Homestead Credit, returns will be filed electronically.

Tax counseling is offered by appointment only. Appointments will be available on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Minocqua Public Library located at 415 Menominee Street. 

To schedule an appointment and to learn more about the tax service, call the Minocqua Library at 715-356-4437. When you make an appointment, you will be given further instructions.

Tax services will also be available by appointment at two other sites in the area: Eagle River (715-479-3727) at Walter Olson Public Library on Wednesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., starting Feb. 3 through April 10; and Rhinelander (715-369-6170) at Oneida County ADRC on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., starting Feb. 5 through April 10.

People intending to use the service will need to bring the following items as appropriate:

• A picture ID (Required)

• Social Security Identification (Required)

• Copies of last year’s 2022 Federal & State returns (if you filed) or the last year you filed.

• 2023 W-2s, 1099s and any other tax related documents (i.e., interest & dividend statements, brokerage statements, IRA withdrawals, Form 1095-A, etc.)

• Social Security Income statements 

• Copies of any W-2 G (gambling winnings)

• Information showing purchase price for any stock sold

• Information to support any Itemized Deductions

• Copy of your Real Estate Tax Statement for both 2022 and 2023 (NOTE: Bring a copy of your 2023 bill even if you will pay it in 2024)

• Know the annual dollar amount you paid for your Supplemental Medical Insurance and your Medicare Part D Drug Insurance

• Signed rent Certificate from your Landlord (if renting and filing for Homestead Credit)

• State Unemployment Summary (Must get online).