WestArk RSVP preps for 2022 tax season with annual free filing service

The 2022 tax season is approaching quickly and households have already started preparing documents.

The Internal Revenue Service announced Monday it will begin processing returns Jan. 24, two weeks earlier than previous years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

WestArk RSVP, an organization that connects adults 55 years of age or older with service opportunities, is available to help you with tax preparation and electronic filing needs. Since 2007, the organization has helped residents file their state and federal income taxes for free.

"It’s an excellent program,” said Susan Reehl, executive program director for WestArk RSVP. “It has a huge, huge economic impact … Last year, total refunds, which you’ve got to admit was a slow year, was $4.5 million,” including both the Fort Smith and Rogers locations.

The service is provided through two grant programs - “Tax Counseling for the Elderly” and “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance,” both initiatives of the Internal Revenue Service.

Through “Tax Counseling for the Elderly,” those who are 60 years old or older or have a spouse of that age can receive free tax preparation services regardless of income.

The “Volunteer Income Tax Assistance” program provides free services to those with incomes below $57,000 and no income limit for active-duty military.

"Our primary focus is with low-income, and our secondary focus is persons with disabilities,” Reehl said. The organization also works with rural households, those facing unemployment and those with limited English with a preparer who speaks Spanish.

One common problem Reehl sees with filers is they do not have their physical social security cards, not copies or photographs, for everyone listed on their return.

"The only exception [is] for seniors … or disabled people who are getting social security – a form called an SSA 1099, which is the report on their social security income,” Reehl said.

Over the years, the program has faced the 2009 recession, the 2019 historic flood and the ongoing pandemic. Reehl expressed her gratitude for the volunteers willing to serve. The volunteers are currently undergoing training and testing to be certified by the Internal Revenue Service.

"Right now, you’re kind of risking your life to volunteer,” Reehl said.

WestArk RSVP continues to follow CDC guidelines and requires masks and social distancing inside their facility.

How to receive services

Those interested in filing their taxes with WestArk RSVP can pick up an information flyer and an intake/interview & quality review sheet at 401 North 13th St., starting Jan. 19. All required documents for filing can be found on the information flyer.

Filing services start Jan. 26 and run through April 18. Hours of services will be 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.

There will be no services offered on Saturdays during March. WestArk RSVP will close during inclement weather based on the Fort Smith Public Schools closing.

For more information, call WestArk RSVP at 479-782-2525, visit www.westarkrsvp.org or follow WestArk RSVP on Facebook for updates.

This article originally appeared on Fort Smith Times Record: Here's where to get your taxes filed for free in Fort Smith in 2022