AARP Tax-Aide Program in Full Swing for 2010 Tax Season

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Feb 01, 2010, 01:43 ET

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

CHICAGO, Feb. 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, AARP announced the launch of its annual Tax-Aide program – a volunteer-run AARP Foundation program that assists low- and moderate-income taxpayers in preparing and filing their tax return free of charge, with a special emphasis on assisting individuals 60 years of age and older.

"In the current economy, people need access to a wide variety of resources," said Toni Girten, Illinois Tax-Aide Coordinator for Northern Illinois. "The Tax-Aide program exists to help individuals that might not otherwise have access to tax preparation services."

The Tax-Aide program began in 1968 with four volunteers. Since that time, it has grown to a program that involves 34,600 AARP volunteers who help 2.6 million individuals file their federal, state, and local taxes each year. In 2009, the Illinois Tax-Aide program helped over 79,000 taxpayers, preparing over 53,000 federal returns. There were approximately 270 Tax-Aide sites in Illinois in 2009 and the program is supported by over 1,000 volunteers in the state.

"Volunteers are the heart of the Tax-Aide program," added Girten. "These trained volunteers make an immeasurable impact on the individuals and communities they serve."

Tax-Aide volunteers receive training from the Internal Revenue Service and are trained in filing the 1040 Form and the more standard schedules, including Schedules A and B. In addition, E-Filing is offered at most Tax-Aide sites without charge to the taxpayer. Most Tax-Aide sites begin operating in late-January to early-February and are operational until April 15th. The Tax-Aide program also has an online assistance tool where individuals can pose questions to Tax-Aide volunteers year-round.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Tax-Aide program or to find a Tax-Aide site near you, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669).

SOURCE AARP Illinois