#United States #Washington #AARP Foundation #Tax-Aide #Free Tax Prep

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide: A Lifeline for Seniors During Tax Season

As tax season approaches, millions of older adults across the United States are getting a helping hand from the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. This initiative, which has been active since 1968, offers free tax preparation services aimed specifically at helping low to moderate-income seniors navigate their tax filings without the financial burden associated with traditional tax preparation services.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide operates nationwide, continuously serving the needs of those who might otherwise miss out on crucial tax credits and deductions. Last year alone, Tax-Aide assisted nearly 1.7 million taxpayers, including 965,000 low-income adults over the age of 50, ensuring they receive the refunds they have rightfully earned. This effort translates to nearly $600 million saved for older adults in essential refunds, which many depend on to cover monthly expenses like food and utilities.

A Comprehensive Service
The program offers numerous options to cater to the various needs of its clients:

• - In-Person Service: Tax preparation is carried out on-site by an IRS-certified volunteer in just one visit.
• - One-Visit Scan (requires internet access): Tax documents are scanned at the site, with subsequent preparation done remotely by volunteers.
• - Two-Visit Scan: Similar to the one-visit option, but includes a second visit for tax filing and to receive a printed return.
• - Drop Off Service: Tax documents can be left with a volunteer who will tackle the preparation remotely, followed by a second visit for filing.
• - No Site Visit Required (requires internet access): Users can upload their documents for assistance through secure IRS software.
• - Online Coaching: Clients self-prepare their taxes with guidance from volunteers online.
• - Facilitated Self-Assistance: Appointments can be made for personalized help in filing taxes at a Tax-Aide location.
• - Self-Preparation: Taxpayers can use provided software to complete their own returns.

With nearly 28,000 trained volunteers participating in the program, the foundation ensures that the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code are effectively communicated, maintaining a standard of professionalism and reliability. Volunteers are IRS-certified annually, reinforcing the program’s commitment to quality service.

Reaching Out to the Community
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide not only helps with taxes but also provides invaluable support to older adults. Many recipients emphasize the importance of these services, especially those living on fixed incomes or in vulnerable situations. Mioshi Moses, Vice President of Volunteer Programs at AARP Foundation, articulates this well: “Our program ensures people receive much-needed refunds without the cost of tax preparation services, and there are never any hidden fees.”

Those looking to locate their nearest Tax-Aide site and explore various assistance options can easily do so through the Tax-Aide site locator, which incorporates a chatbot to aid users in booking appointments and answering queries.

For further details about the program and required documents, individuals can visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).

About the AARP Foundation
The AARP Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of older adults through initiatives that foster economic opportunity, volunteer-driven community services, and legal advocacy. The foundation champions the mission of ensuring that all individuals can age with dignity and purpose. By leveraging community resources and volunteer efforts, the AARP Foundation continues to play a pivotal role in supporting American seniors during critical times, such as tax season, ensuring that no one is left behind during this essential annual duty.