Fagatogo Representative Malaeoletalu Melesio Gurr is requesting the reinstatement of the free tax filing services that the Tax Office has been providing for decades for low income earners.
He made the request in a letter to the Acting Treasurer Carrie-Lee Magalei-Tulafono.
Malaeoletlau said that for many of our residents, particularly those with limited income, the cost of private tax preparation presents a financial burden. “These individuals often have simple tax returns and rely on filing assistance provides by the government,” he told the Acting Treasurer.
The faipule pointed out that free tax filing for low income earners will ensure that residents are not force to choose between paying essential household expenses and paying for tax preparation services.
He was concerned that discontinuation of this service will impact our most vulnerable residents. Many constituents and members of the community have told him that the change would present a hardship for them.
Rep Malaeoletalu asked Acting Treasurer Magalei-Tulafono to reconsider this decision and allow the Tax Office to resume the free tax filing services for eligible low income earners and senior citizens for the 2026 tax season.
He also requested that the Acting Treasurer consider sending a team to Manu’a to assist residents with filing their taxes.
Former Acting Treasurer Brett Butler had told a House hearing that staff of the Tax Office may still be able to assist wage earners file their taxes but this would be provided at their own time, not through the Tax Office.
Meanwhile several tax filing services have stepped up advertising of their services through social media.
