Tax season is here. Do you dread filling out those confusing forms? Are you wondering whether new provisions of the tax code apply to you? Have you put off doing your taxes, even if you expect a refund? Help is available!
Beginning February 1 and continuing through April 15, AARP Foundation is providing free in-person tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, is the nation’s largest volunteer run free tax preparation service.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide started in 1968 with just four volunteers working at one site. Today, nearly 35,000 volunteers serve low- to moderate-income taxpayers at 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers nationwide.There’s no fee, and AARP membership is not required.
“Every year, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program helps tens of thousands of Washingtonians with free tax preparation,” said Terrie Jones, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide State Coordinator. “Whether you are a working or retired individual, our IRS tax-certified volunteers can help answer your questions and prepare your tax returns.”
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. In 2018, the program’s volunteers helped 2.5 million people navigate complicated tax codes, ensure proper credits and deductions, and file their federal and state tax returns. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $213 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). They also avoided any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or refund loans.
Last year, nearly 1,200 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 85,000 Washingtonians file their tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 150 sites in Washington, including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.
To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.