AARP Tax-Aide to Provide Free Tax Assistance Beginning February

Beginning February 1, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide will provide free tax assistance and preparation for Hawaii taxpayers with low to moderate incomes at 36 libraries, senior centers and other convenient locations across the state. Now in its 45 ^th year, AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, with special attention to people 60 and older. You do not have to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this free service.

“Tax-Aide volunteers provide a tremendous boost to individuals and our local economy by helping low- and moderate income residents with their taxes,” said AARP Hawaii State President Gerry Silva. “For example, they help many low-income workers who might otherwise fail to file for Earned Income Tax Credits because they don’t know the credits exist or that they qualify for them.”

Last year in Hawaii, AARP Foundation Tax Aide volunteers helped more than 16,000 residents file their federal and state returns, generating more than $5.8 million in total refunds and more than $1.1 million Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). Nationally, Tax-Aide volunteers helped taxpayers get $1.3 billion in income tax refunds in 2013, and more than $244 million in EITCs.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they understand the latest changes and additions to the U.S. Tax Code. For more information or to locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site near you, visit www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call toll-free 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669) for assistance.

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.