AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Season Begins

AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation for Hawaii taxpayers with low to moderate incomes through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program beginning February 2. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 48th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

In Hawaii last year, Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 16,000 people file their federal and state tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 40 sites in Hawaii, including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations. The Tax-Aide program helped Hawaii residents receive more than $5.5 million in refunds in 2014, and more than $1.2 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

“Tax-Aide volunteers give a big boost to both individuals and our local economy by helping low- and moderate-income residents with their taxes,” said AARP Hawaii State President Gerry Silva. “They also help many low-income workers who might otherwise fail to file for Earned Income Tax Credits.”

Nationally, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide’s 36,000 volunteers at more than 5,000 sites provided 2.6 million people with free tax help in 2014. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure their knowledge of revisions to the U.S. tax code. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $257 million in Earned Income Tax Credits.

Preparation of tax returns under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules will require additional documentation from taxpayers this year. The good news is that no further information is required for taxpayers on Medicare or Medicare Advantage for the full year. Otherwise, taxpayers need to bring along their family's health insurance coverage information including information about Marketplace/Exchange purchases, and health care exemptions.

For more information on documentation required or to locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

2015 - Oahu Tax-Aide Sites

2015 - Neighbor Island Tax-Aide Sites