…by Bruce Carlson, AARP Associate State Director of Communications
Tax season returns, and once again, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is here to assist taxpayers with form preparation. Tax-Aide sites are now taking appointments for free tax preparation and e-filing services.
Tax-Aide will continue to offer the same suite of options as last year for tax preparation. That includes:
• Low contact models which allow taxpayers to drop-off their papers or have them scanned and return to review
• Fully virtual service
• Virtual coaching services
Much of what is available will depend on local COVID conditions. Local Tax-Aide sites have the discretion to run their sites in a way that keeps everyone safe, complies with state and local laws and takes into count the number of available volunteers. Tax-Aide sites are encouraged to offer more than one service model, and that information will be available at the Tax-Aide Site Locator website.
Those interested in utilizing AARP Foundation Tax-Aide can get more information, including a comprehensive list of documents to bring to the tax site, by visiting http://www.aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call 1-888-227-7669. Tax-Aide is capable of processing most personal tax returns with some limited exceptions.
“Tax-Aide is a free service for anyone who needs help completing their tax return and filing it electronically,” said Cindy Gossett, AARP Tax-Aide Washington state coordinator. “Our dedicated and certified volunteers will provide the same high-quality service as in years past, just in a different way to accommodate COVID-19.”
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide operates the nation’s largest volunteer-run free tax preparation service. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code.
In 2021, one million taxpayers using AARP’s Tax-Aide Foundation received more than $689 million in income tax refunds. They also avoided any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or “refund loans.” The service is offered in conjunction with the IRS, and AARP membership is not required.
