Real Possibilities

January 9-15, 2017

Need help with your tax return?

By Nan Selz
Executive Council, AARP Arkansas

Since 1968, AARP has offered a volunteer-based program that has helped nearly 50 million people prepare their income tax returns. AARP Foundation Tax Aide offers a free tax preparation service for low-to-moderate income taxpayers who are 50 years of age or older. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained to understand individual federal tax issues, especially those provisions of the tax code that affect older people.

These volunteers are IRS-certified and they work in more than 5,000 locations nationwide such as libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers. AARP’s web site (www.aarp.org) lists the places where Tax Aide volunteers are located. These sites are open annually from late January or early February until April 15.

AARP’s web site also helps you prepare for a session with a Tax Aide volunteer by telling you what important documents you will need to bring. It lists some frequently asked questions and answers about federal income tax. Online tax assistance is also available through the AARP website. If your question is not answered in the “frequently asked” listing, you can submit it online. A Tax Aide volunteer will respond within three to five business days.

The AARP Tax Aide program is dependent on volunteers, and AARP is always looking for compassionate and friendly people who want to make a difference in their community. Volunteers receive training and ongoing support. They learn new skills and they can be certain they are helping others. If you have an interest in becoming a Tax Aide volunteer, the web site will tell you how to apply.