AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Provides Free Tax Assistance And Preparation

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Feb 06, 2013, 01:48 ET

AARP Foundation program helps low and middle income taxpayers file returns at no cost

CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This year, AARP is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 46^thyear, is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

"In the current economy, people need access to a wide variety of resources," said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. "The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program exists to help individuals that might not otherwise have access to tax preparation services."

In 2012, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide's 36,000 volunteers at nearly 6,000 sites across the nation provided over 2.5 million people with free tax help. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $233 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

Last year, 1,162 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 80,000 Illinoisans file their federal, state and local tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 230 sites in Illinois including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations. In 2012, Illinois taxpayers who used Tax-Aide received nearly $40 million in income tax refunds and $4.5 million in EITCs.

For more information or to locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is a program of AARP Foundation, offered in cooperation with the IRS.

SOURCE AARP Illinois