(AARP) Through April 15, AARP Foundation is providing free, in-person tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, celebrating its 51st year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. Since its inception, the program has served more than 50 million taxpayers.
“Thanks to the hundreds of dedicated volunteers here in Montana, we are able to help thousands of Montanans with free tax preparation assistance,” said AARP Montana State Director Tim Summers. “We know this is a valuable service that so many rely on each year, and we are pleased that we can continue to make a difference in communities across the state.”
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide started in 1968 with just four volunteers working at one site. Today, nearly 35,000 volunteers serve low- to moderate-income taxpayers at 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers, and senior centers nationwide.
There’s no fee, and AARP membership is not required.
Last year in Montana, 217 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 13,500 residents file their federal and state tax returns. Tax-Aide volunteers helped Montanans receive more than $5.8 million in refunds. The program is offered at approximately 32 sites in Montana, including senior centers, libraries, and other convenient locations.
“It’s extremely important to make sure that any tax credits or refunds are not overlooked—to someone on a fixed income, every dollar counts,” said Summers. “AARP Foundation Tax-Aide helps seniors, as well as low- to moderate-income taxpayers of all ages, prepare their returns with substantially less stress.”
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code.
In 2018, the program’s volunteers helped 2.5 million people navigate complicated tax codes, ensure proper credits and deductions, and file their federal and state tax returns. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $213 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). They also avoided any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or refund loans.
To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit www.aarp.org/TaxAide or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.
AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connectedness. As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities and restore hope.
To learn more about AARP Montana, visit www.aarp.org/MT or follow @AARPMontana on social media. MSN
