AARP volunteers gear up to help Floridians 50+ with annual tax chore

About 3,000 AARP volunteers, some of whom have served for decades, are gearing up to open more than 300 sites in churches, community halls, libraries and other sites across Florida in the coming days to help Floridians age 50-plus fulfill their annual federal income-tax obligation.

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 offers free tax preparation services to anyone, with emphasis for seniors. We’re here to serve you,” said Fred Bates, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide state coordinator. “We served over 220,000 taxpayers in Florida last year. We understand common tax issues facing all Floridians. Our volunteers, many of whom have years of experience, are certified annually by the IRS and are up to date on the latest changes in tax law.”

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 income tax refunds and more than $240 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). The service is open through April 18.

Florida owes a debt of gratitude to Tax-Aide volunteers, who help taxpayers of every background fill out their tax returns and provide needed assistance, said Jeff Johnson, AARP’s Florida state director. “As an AARP leader, nothing is more inspiring to me than seeing the tremendous positive contribution to our state that volunteers bring,” Johnson said. “Taxpayers, especially those of modest means, can really benefit from this service.”

AARP also offers a free, secure online tax service to help get your tax questions asked. The service provides an extensive list of frequently asked questions and answers, plus a feature that allows you to submit a question online. A Tax-Aide volunteer will respond to your question in three to five business days. To learn more, go to: https://aarpfoundationtaxaideqa.zendesk.com/hc/en-us

Since 1968, Tax-Aide has helped nearly 50 million low- to moderate-income taxpayers. The program, 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.