AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Celebrates 50 Years

CHICAGO, Feb. 1, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Beginning February 1 and continuing through April 17, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program, across the nation as well as right here in Illinois. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, celebrating its 50^th year, is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service. Since its inception, the program has served more than 50 million taxpayers.

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.

"For nearly 50 years, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has provided free tax assistance to millions of low- and moderate-income taxpayers," said AARP Illinois State Director Bob Gallo. "Our hard working IRS-certified volunteers offer an easy to use tax service for those Illinoisans who need it the most." 

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 2017, 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 $1.37 billion in income tax refunds and more than $222 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). They also avoided any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or refund loans.

Last year, over 1,000 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 84,000 Illinoisans file their federal and state tax returns, and receive over $46 million in refunds. The program is offered at approximately 200 sites in Illinois, including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

SOURCE AARP Illinois