AARP Tax-Aide Program in Full Swing for 2012 Tax Season

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Feb 08, 2012, 01:00 ET

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

CHICAGO, Feb. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, the nation's largest volunteer-run tax preparation service, is in full swing for the 2012 tax season. The program 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 Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. "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 over 33,000 AARP volunteers who help nearly 3 million individuals nationwide file their federal, state, and local taxes each year. In 2011, 1,148 Tax-Aide volunteers in Illinois assisted nearly 79,000 taxpayers with preparation and filing, resulting in nearly $36 million in refunds. This year, there are approximately over 250 Tax-Aide sites in Illinois.

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 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