Free tax assistance starts in February

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 45thyear, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention those 60 and older.  You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this free service. 

 “Last year, we assisted more than 72,000 people in preparing and filing their tax returns,” said Jacqueline Morrison, AARP Michigan State Director. “We could not do it without our more than 1,000 volunteers, who make an indelible mark on the communities they help.”

In 2013, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide’s 35,000 volunteers at nearly 6,000 sites across the country provided 2.6 million people with free tax help. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $244 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

Last year, 1,054 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped 72,729 people file their federal, state and local tax returns.  Taxpayers who used Tax-Aide in Michigan received $26.8 million in refunds and $3.8 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. The program is offered at approximately 180 sites in Michigan including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations. 

 For more information 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.