AARP FOUNDATION TAX-AIDE WILL PROVIDE FREE TAX ASSISTANCE AND PREPARATION TODAY THROUGH APRIL 18

CHICAGO– 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.

“For nearly 50 years, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has provided free tax assistance to millions of low- and moderate-income taxpayers,” said AARP Illinois Associate State Director for Advocacy and Outreach Terri Worman.  “Our hard working IRS-certified volunteers offer an easy to use tax service for those Illinoisans who need it the most.”

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).

Last year, 1,121 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 88,446 people file their federal, state tax returns in Illinois.  The program is offered at approximately 197 sites in Illinois 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.

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