AARP Foundation Tax-Aide to provide free tax help in AR through April 18

LITTLE ROCK, Ark.— Beginning today through April 18, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 49th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, offering free tax preparation help to anyone, especially those who are 50 and older, who cannot afford a tax preparation service.

Tax-Aide, which is offered free of charge, is available to AARP members and non-members and includes more than 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers nationwide. Since 1968, Tax-Aide has helped nearly 50 million low- to moderate-income taxpayers.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites in Arkansas will be open starting Wednesday, Feb. 1 through Tuesday, April 18 and operate on a first come, first served basis; some sites offer appointments. Each site’s opening date will depend upon the days of the week on which it will operate, as the table below illustrates.

This year, Tax-Aide will be offered at 21 sites in Arkansas including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.  For more information on documents to bring to the tax site 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.

“AARP Foundation Tax-Aide helps those who might not otherwise have access to tax preparation services," said Lydia Plant, Arkansas State Administrative Specialist for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. “Those who receive tax preparation assistance from our IRS-trained and certified volunteers also avoid any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-cost refund-related products.”

In 2016, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped 2.7 million people navigate complicated tax codes, ensure proper credits and deductions and file their federal and state tax returns. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.41 billion in federal income tax refunds and more than $240 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

Last year, 255 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 24,364 Arkansans file their federal and state tax returns. Arkansas taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $16.1 million in income tax refunds and $3.6 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation works to ensure that low-income older adults have nutritious food, affordable housing, a steady income, and strong and sustaining bonds. We collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to innovation and our passion for problem-solving. Supported by vigorous legal advocacy, we create and advance effective solutions that help struggling older adults transform their lives. AARP Foundation is the affiliated charity of AARP.