AARP Volunteers Offer Free Tax Filing Services in Connecticut

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation program, is offering Connecticut taxpayers free assistance with basic federal and state income tax returns through April 15, 2015.

Available to middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention given to those 60 and older, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides face-to-face tax assistance services at 96 sites across Connecticut, including libraries, and senior and community centers. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year.

“As the U.S. Tax Code has become increasingly complicated, so has preparing individual tax returns,” said AARP Connecticut volunteer Tax-Aide Coordinator, Linda Avery. “For many older taxpayers who are struggling in this economy, Tax-Aide assistance can help ensure they don’t overpay their taxes or have to rely on expensive, and for too many, unaffordable professional tax preparation services.”

Last year alone, more than 600 Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 33,000 taxpayers in Connecticut file their federal and state tax returns, resulting in more than $22 million in refunds and more than $4.7 million in tax credits. Over 90% of the tax returns were filed electronically, assuring that residents received their tax refunds quickly.

To find a tax-aide site near you and make an appointment, call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669) or click here.  Additional information for Connecticut taxpayers is available at www.211ct.org/taxes or by calling 2-1-1.

What to Bring

If married, both husband and wife should be present during an income tax counseling session. Taxpayers must have available all information and documents that have been received that apply to their 2013 income taxes including:

• Proof of identity (picture or other documentation).
• All income statements that apply to the taxpayers.
• Social Security number (Social Security card or Benefit Statement-Form SSA-1099) for taxpayer and all dependents.
• Copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns.
• Personal check, if available, if direct depositing tax refund, with bank checking account & routing numbers.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated, 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, charitable organization established in 1961. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide.