DEAR SUN SPOTS: Regarding the answer you gave to the reader whose neighbor was pushing snow across the road into her front yard, I wanted to add that it is indeed illegal to push snow across any public way maintained by the city or  town. It doesn’t have to be left in the road/street. If the street where she lives is a private way, that’s a different story. I, too, hope these two neighbors can have a conversation and iron out this issue.

Whether it’s against the law or not, it’s just inconsiderate. — No name, no town

ANSWER: I spoke with personnel at the specific town office where the reader lives and you are right. Thank you for the additional information.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: Once again, AARP Tax-Aide will provide free income tax preparation services for low- and moderate-income taxpayers for the 2022 filing season. Four days per week from Feb. 10 through April 9, our experienced IRS Certified Tax Volunteers will be preparing and electronically filing federal and Maine income tax returns.

We will work at Sacred Heart Church at the corner of Minot and Western avenues in Auburn. This service is by appointment only and all ages are welcome. You do not have to be a member of AARP to use this service.

Appointments may be made by calling 513-3170 and leaving a message on our voicemail.  You will be contacted by our scheduler to set up a time for your tax preparation.

Due to COVID-19, we are limiting the number of appointments per session. We are requiring everyone to wear a mask and ask that people do not bring children to the site. We are hopeful that we will have an uninterrupted season this year. Please spread the word! — Judy, no town

ANSWER: It’s so good to see that this free service will be up and running this year. A reader asked about it recently and I’m sure others have been wondering. Just hours after submitting yesterday’s column, I got the above information stating that the program is a go!

If you aren’t able to get in for an appointment with these trained AARP tax preparation volunteers, another program that will provide free tax return assistance in person on a limited basis (and only for taxpayers with a combined household income of $58,000 or less per year) is Lewiston/Auburn CA$H. Trained tax preparers will meet with clients at the Lewiston Armory. You can make an appointment by calling 333-6419.

You can also make an appointment to go to the Farmington location at 218 Fairbanks Road if that’s closer for you. The number to call to schedule an in-person appointment is 778-5048.

You can also receive online help from the CA$H program without an appointment at https://www.getyourrefund.org/en.

The program will start Feb. 1. For more information, go to the organization’s website at https://www.cashmaine.org/free-tax-prep/.

I know I’m repeating myself with some of this information but it’s important to let all readers know that this support is available.

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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