Free Tax Assistance and Preparation Beginning In February 2014

Jim Vecchione

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.

“AARP Georgia continues to seek out positive opportunities to help those 50+ by offering free, individualized tax preparation for low-to moderate-income taxpayers says Greg Tanner, AARP Georgia State Director. “Through utilizing our trained and committed Tax-Aide volunteers we are increasing our relevance and impact where it matters the most – having more discretionary income for everyday essentials, such as food and housing.”

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 in Georgia, 852 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 57,145 people file their federal and state tax returns.  The program is offered at 115 sites in Georgia 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.