Reminder: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Provides Free Tax Assistance and Preparation

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Apr 01, 2010, 12:52 ET

CHICAGO, April 1 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the clock ticking down for the April 15 income tax filing date, AARP is today reminding Illinoisans that help is available for free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program. AARP Tax-Aide, in its 42nd year, is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to people over age 60. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

"At a time when many Illinoisans are struggling to make ends meet in a down economy, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program provides much-needed relief," said Toni Gertin, Tax-Aide Coordinator for Illinois' northern district. "Our Tax-Aide volunteers truly make a difference in the lives of the people they serve."

This year, taxpayers who file a federal tax return with a refund due to them can purchase savings bonds using all or a portion of their refund. Savings bonds can be purchased in multiples of $50, up to $5,000.

In 2009, more than 34,600 Tax-Aide volunteers, trained in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, helped over 2.6 million taxpayers at nearly 6,500 sites across the country with the preparation of their income tax returns.

Last year, 1,146 AARP Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 79,664 people file their federal and state tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 277 sites in Illinois including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

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

Follow AARP Illinois on Facebook (www.facebook.com/aarpillinois) and Twitter (@aarpillinois).

SOURCE AARP Illinois