"the People's Paths!" Cherokee News Path - CN to Provide Free Tax Prep Assistance

TAHLEQUAH, OK - With tax season now upon us, the Cherokee Nation is offering free tax preparation service to Cherokee citizens and other area residents with an annual income of $42,000 or less. The service will be offered beginning Tuesday, January 20, and continue through Tuesday, April 14 in various locations throughout the Cherokee Nation.

“The Cherokee Nation is pleased to offer this service to our citizens and community members alike,” said Chad Smith, Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation. “Tax preparation can be very costly and we are glad to be able to offer a free service to families who might need this type of assistance.”

Through a continued partnership agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service, the Cherokee Nation has been providing this service for more than 20 years. Last year the program assisted more than 2,300 residents with tax preparation.

The tax preparers are volunteers trained using materials provided by the IRS. However, for more complicated returns it is suggested that taxpayers contact a paid tax preparer.

Tax preparation is open to all Cherokee citizens and other residents of the Cherokee Nation who meet the income guidelines regardless of race, color, sex, national origin, disability or age. The service will be available in Tahlequah, Pryor, Sallisaw, Greasy, Stilwell, Claremore, Catoosa, Vinita and Jay.

“The average person pays between $140 and $250 to have a paid preparer do their taxes,” said Pam Bakke, Cherokee Nation Resident Organization Coordinator. “The people who have taken advantage of this service have been very appreciative.”

Interested parties should submit a valid picture I.D., social security cards or tax identification number cards for all members of the household whose name will appear on the tax return, provider’s address and tax identification number for child/dependent care credit, copy of last year’s tax return and all W-2, 1098, 1099 forms and the amount of other income received by taxpayer and spouse. In addition, form 8332 or a copy of a divorce decree must be submitted to non-custodial parents claiming a child. For persons interested in direct deposit, account and routing numbers are required.

Rapid refund loans are not part of the preparation service.

The tax preparation service will be offered at the following locations:

**Tahlequah: Cherokee Nation Adult Education, 122 E. Choctaw, Tuesdays through Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., January 20 through April 9. Contact Sandy Long, (918) 458-0577.
**Tahlequah: Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex, Tsa-la-gi Annex (Old Motel), room 112, Tuesdays by appointment only, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., January 20 through April 7. Contact Cora Lathrop, (918) 207-3939.
**Tahlequah: Cherokee Nation Housing Services office, 1500 Hensley Drive, Thursdays by appointment only, January 22 through April 9, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Ben Buckskin, (918) 458-5643.
**Tahlequah: Cherokee Nation Tribal Complex, Tsa-la-gi Annex Room 101, Thursdays by appointment only, January 22 through April 9, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Mackie Moore, (918) 453-5531.
**Pryor: Cherokee Heights Adult Literacy Center, 205 Cherokee Heights, Mondays 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. January 26 through April 13, except February 17. Contact Pam Bakke, (918) 207-6562.
**Claremore: Cherokee Nation Housing Services office, 23205 S. Hwy 66, Tuesdays by appointment only, 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., January 20 through April 7. Contact Raina Wauqua, (918) 342-6814.
**Catoosa: Cherokee Nation Housing Services office, 310 Chief Stand Watie, Thursdays, January 29 through April 9, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact Pam Bakke, (918) 207-6562.
**Stilwell: Cherokee Nation Housing Services office, 160 Alene Drive, Tuesdays from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., January 27 through April 14. Contact Pam Bakke, (918) 207-6562.
**Greasy: Community Building, on January 27, February 4 and 10, and March 4 and 10, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Contact Pam Bakke, (918) 207-6562.
**Sallisaw: Cherokee Nation Housing Services office, corner of J.T. Stites Blvd and Hwy 64, Wednesdays, January 28 through April 8, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Contact Pam Bakke, (918) 207-6562. Assistance is also offered at this location on Thursdays, January 22 through April 9, by appointment only, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Lavonne Tubbs, (918) 774-0922.
**Jay: Cherokee Nation Housing Services office, 111 13th St., Thursdays by appointment only, January 22 through April 9, from 9 a.m. to noon and from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Contact Gina Martinez, (918) 316-4248.

Unless otherwise noted, drop-ins are welcomed. Other locations are pending in Claremore, Pryor and Vinita. Please contact Michelle Sixkiller, phone: 918-207-6562 for details after January 20.