LOS ANGELES – La fecha límite para presentar su declaración de impuestos puede llegar más rápido de lo que piensa, y juntar todos los documentos necesarios puede ser especialmente estresante. El programa “Tax-Aide” Ayuda con los Impuestos, de la Fundación AARP, es una alternativa para que todos, no sólo adultos mayores, venzan el desánimo propio de la temporada de impuestos con ayuda gratuita para hacer sus declaraciones.

La fecha límite es el 18 de abril. Esa hora puede significar cargas de estrés, especialmente porque el Código Fiscal de los Estados Unidos se ha vuelto más y más complicado. Pero Nancy McPherson, directora estatal de la AARP California, dice que el programa “Tax-Aide” de Asistencia Fiscal de la Fundación AARP se propone aligerar algunas de las dificultades que implica descifrarlo.

“El enfoque de la Fundación es ofrecer gratis la preparación de impuestos para ayudarle a quien sea, especialmente a gente de 50 años y más que no pueda pagar este servicio.”

Algunos expertos en impuestos dicen que el contribuyente promedio no necesita un abogado fiscal, pero un servicio como el Tax-Aide, Asistencia Fiscal, puede ofrecer seguridad y una guía con preguntas básicas sobre impuestos y con el llenado de la forma para su devolución.

McPherson señala que los voluntarios capacitados en Asistencia Fiscal también están familiarizados con deducciones de las que usted pudiera ni saber. Justo el año pasado, comenta, el programa “Tax-Aide” ayudó a los californianos a obtener más de 96 millones de dólares en reembolsos de impuestos, y casi 18 millones en Créditos Fiscales por Ingresos de Trabajo (“Earned Income Tax Credits”).

“Muchos contribuyentes no están enterados de un Crédito Fiscal por Ingresos de Trabajo, o piensan que no califican, y de hecho es una de formas las más importantes de apoyo al salario para trabajadores de bajos ingresos. Así que el “Tax Aide” puede ayudarle a la gente a saber si califican, para recibir los créditos que merecen.”

El año pasado casi tres mil voluntarios de California ayudaron a casi 200 mil personas en sus declaraciones de impuestos federales y estatales.

McPherson dice que su mamá usa el programa “Tax-Aide”, que está disponible en todo el país.

“Mi propia madre lo usa en Carolina del Sur; tiene 92 años. Le gusta preparar ella misma su declaración, pero también que se la revisen para ver que la haya hecho bien, y alguien lo repasa con ella para verificar que no omita algo.”

Agrega que la gente no necesita ser miembro de la AARP ni mayor de 50 años para usar el servicio, pero es importante que tenga usted una cita y preguntar qué documentación deberá llevar.

Encuentre las locaciones de “Tax-Aide” en http://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/ o llamando al 888-AARPNOW (888-227-7669), en español o en inglés.


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Arizona ratepayers could end up paying more for utilities if state regulators decide to change the ratemaking process.

The Arizona Corporation Commission is set to vote on a proposed policy statement today, which would allow Arizona utilities to move from a historical "test year" model to a formula rate plan. A formula rate plan is used to adjust a utility's base rates outside a general rate case, many times because of increases in the average cost of utility service.

Diane Brown, executive director, Arizona Public Interest Research Group Education Fund, called the proposed change "seismic," and is concerned ratepayers could experience "higher utility bill aftershocks on an annual basis," as a result.

"There appears to be a full-court press to approve a policy statement that essentially upends a long-standing ratemaking process without providing the necessary time and attention to details," Brown contended.

Supporters of formula rate plans said they can help stabilize a utility's rate of return without a full rate case review. Brown argued ratepayers in states using formula rate plans have experienced "higher costs alongside decreased transparency and less opportunities for public engagement." Groups are calling on the commission to grant more time for the decision, to allow experts and consumers a chance to weigh in.

Consumer groups believe the proposed policy statement, which was made public late last month, has been rushed for a vote. Brown argued there is no need to change a system that has worked well, for one lacking specificity, which could usher in unintended effects.

"The commission should slow down the significant shift in ratemaking by addressing questions and requests that stakeholders have presented to commissioners and staff," Brown asserted.

The commission countered stakeholders have had enough time to voice their opinions following workshops held in March and October of this year on the issue, all in an effort to provide Arizonans with reliable service and predictability in utility costs.

When surveyed, 77% of Americans prefer to buy goods made in the United States, especially during holidays, and 82% said they would buy more if available.

A new poll from the American Alliance for Manufacturing conducted the survey.

According to Amazon's Small Business Impact report, independent sellers in Kentucky sold more than 22 million items last year. But despite a strong consumer preference, online retailers are not required to provide country-of-origin labeling.

Scott Paul, president of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, said while U.S.-made gifts may have a slightly higher price tag, they do not come with ethical baggage as some items made in other countries.

"There's no tariffs paid on them. They're not necessarily subject to inspection," Paul outlined. "We know from reports that a lot of them are not made particularly well, that have some toxins in them, and may come from supply chains that have forced labor. "

Around 20% of holiday shoppers will use Chinese apps such as TikTok and Temu this holiday season. The Alliance's online 2024 Holiday Gift Guide lists products from more than 100 manufacturers and makers from all 50 states.

Paul pointed out shoppers have a variety of reasons for seeking out U.S.-made products ranging from sustainability to ethical supply chains. He noted three in five Americans said they have made a conscious effort to buy American-made products in the past year.

"It could be about patriotism and supporting local jobs but whatever the reason for it, it's actually something that I think unites a lot of people in our country," Paul asserted. "That's really important, especially as we get closer to the holidays."

More than 363,000 small businesses operate in Kentucky, employing 42% of workers in the Commonwealth, according to federal data.

Small businesses are reminding people to shop locally as the holiday shopping season kicks off this week.

Local communities around the country, including in Idaho, are readying for Small Business Saturday, which takes place the day after Black Friday.

Jenn Hensley, executive director of the Downtown Boise Association, said small businesses donate 250% more to community causes than big businesses, and keep the money spent at them local.

"Sixty-eight of every $100 spent at a locally owned business stays in the community. That's compared to $43 spent at a national chain," Hensley pointed out. "So, $25 more stays here. We're supporting local causes when we shop local businesses. We're also keeping our money local."

Hensley noted there are more than 700 businesses in downtown Boise and 96% are locally owned. She argued small businesses provide a more curated shopping experience than big businesses. Downtown Boise has events planned to mark Small Business Saturday this weekend.

Up to 90% of new jobs are created by local businesses. Hensley emphasized shopping locally can also help address issues communities are facing, such as housing affordability.

"When you are shopping in those stores, you are directly addressing those issues," Hensley contended. "In the sense that you are keeping your dollars here locally with a person who lives in a house down the street, who supports your kid's soccer team, who shops at other local shops. And so it's really important that we support these folks."

Small Business Saturday has been around since 2010, as a counterpart to Black Friday and Cyber Monday, which take place after Thanksgiving.


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