AARP will provide free tax assistance and preparation beginning February 2014

( Baton Rouge, LA) – This year, AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 48th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

“Tax-Aide is one of the hallmark programs of AARP Foundation. Its success is the direct result of dedicated, trained volunteers who spend countless hours helping people get the tax refunds they deserve,” said Denise Bottcher, interim state director, AARP Louisiana.

In 2014, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide’s 36,000 volunteers at more than 5,000 sites provided 2.6 million people with free tax help. 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 (EITCs).

Last year, 311 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 22,591 people file their federal, state and local tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 48 sites in Louisiana including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

Preparation of tax returns under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules will require additional documentation from taxpayers this year. The good news is that for taxpayers on Medicare or Medicare Advantage for the full year, no further information is required. 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 is required or to locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site, visit www.aarp.org/ findtaxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

 

About AARP Foundation AARP Foundation is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. By coordinating responses to these issues on all four fronts at once, and supporting them with vigorous legal advocacy, the Foundation serves the unique needs of those 50+ while working with local organizations nationwide to reach more people and make resources go further. AARP Foundation is a charitable affiliate of AARP. Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org