Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — House Representative Malaeoletalu Melesio Gurr of Fagatogo is making a compelling case to the American Samoa Government for the reinstatement of free tax filing services that were essential to low-income earners, senior citizens, and participants in the Territory’s Aging and Older Adults (TAOA) program.

In a detailed letter addressed to the newly appointed Acting Treasurer, Carri-Lee Magalei Tulafono, Malaeoletalu articulated his pressing concerns about the recent decision to discontinue these crucial free tax-filing services, which have historically supported vulnerable populations within the community.

Last month, former Acting Treasurer Bret Butler announced the termination of the Free Filing Assistance Program for the current tax season, advising residents to seek help from licensed tax practitioners and professionals in the local community. However, many residents fear that this shift will create significant barriers for those in financial distress, effectively excluding them from receiving much-needed assistance because of the costs of private tax preparation services.

Malaeoletalu highlighted that for many residents, particularly those with fixed or limited incomes, the cost of hiring a private tax preparer can be an overwhelming financial burden. Many individuals in these groups typically have straightforward tax situations and have come to depend on the free assistance the government has historically provided. By reinstating free tax filing services, the government would not only alleviate this financial strain but also ensure that low-income residents do not have to compromise on essential household necessities — such as food, healthcare, and other basic living expenses — to cover the costs of tax preparation.

In addition to addressing the financial implications, Malaeoletalu expressed profound concern for the impact of this decision on the most vulnerable members of the community. He has received numerous inquiries from constituents who are genuinely distressed by the loss of this support service, underscoring the additional hardships they now face in an already challenging economic environment.

In response to these pressing issues, Malaeoletalu has formally urged the Tax Office to reconsider its decision and to reinstate the Free Filing Assistance Program for the upcoming 2026 tax season, specifically targeting eligible low-income earners and senior citizens. To further enhance accessibility, he proposed deploying a dedicated outreach team to the Manu’a Islands, which would provide personalized assistance to residents in navigating their tax filings, ensuring that no individual is overlooked and that all who need help receive the support they deserve.