Redmond-based Latino Community Association helps file 450 tax returns

Published 10:57 am Monday, April 22, 2024

Spanish-speaking taxpayers received free help from the Latino Community Association to file their tax forms this season. Those who lacked a Social Security number got taxpayer identification number at the same time.

This is the third year LCA has offered tax preparation in partnership with the AARP Tax-Aide program. Staff and volunteers filled more than 450 appointments in Redmond, Bend, Madras and Prineville for the program, which ended on March 30.

“The partnership between LCA and AARP is eliminating some of the following barriers: language, trust, ITIN petition or renewal, plain language explanation, and convenience,” said Milagros Aparicio, LCA’s tax program coordinator.

Cost is also a factor. For two years, a taxpayer from Redmond had been paying a preparer more than $400 to file their return, according to the tax team. LCA completed the 2023 return for free.