Get Your Taxes Done for Free!

It's that time of year again and you need to get your taxes filed. However, do-it-yourself software can be confusing and some paid tax preparation services cost money you might not be able to spend. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide can help.

Beginning now and continuing through April 15, AARP Foundation is providing free in-person tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program.

Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide in 2019 received $1.4 billion in income tax refunds and more than $200 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). They also avoided any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or refund loans. The Tax-Aide program is offered in conjunction with the IRS and AARP membership is not required.

In Montana last year, 226 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 14,535 people file their federal and state tax returns resulting in $6.232 million back in the pockets of Montanans. The program is offered at approximately 31 sites in Montana, including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

“It’s extremely important to make sure that any tax credits or refunds are not overlooked – to someone on a fixed income, every dollar counts,” said AARP Montana State Director Tim Summers. “Thanks to the hundreds of dedicated volunteers here in Montana, we are able to help thousands of Montanans with free tax preparation assistance. We know this is a valuable service that so many rely on each year and we are pleased that we can continue to make a difference in communities across the state.”

This year, as the primary sponsor of the SaveYourRefund campaign, AARP Foundation encourages taxpayers to save all or part of their tax refund.

“For more than 50 years, we’ve helped lower-income taxpayers file their taxes through Tax-Aide, and in that time, we've seen how even modest refunds can be a lifeline for older adults who struggle to make ends meet. Encouraging people to save a portion of their refund helps them build financial resilience,” said Lynnette Lee-Villanueva, vice president of the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program.

SaveYourRefund offers incentives for U.S. taxpayers to save part or all of their tax refund. In addition to giving away 100 prizes of $100 throughout tax season, the campaign will award two grand prizes of $10,000 each through a photo and caption contest in which tax filers share their motivation for saving.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest volunteer-run free tax preparation service. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code.

To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).

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About AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation works to end senior poverty by helping vulnerable older adults build economic opportunity and social connections. As AARP’s charitable affiliate, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Bolstered by vigorous legal advocacy, we spark bold, innovative solutions that foster resilience, strengthen communities and restore hope. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org.

About AARP Montana:
For over 40 years, AARP has been working right here in big sky country to improve the lives of the 50 plus. As a non-profit organization, AARP Montana advocates for what matters most to families: health security, financial stability and personal fulfillment. AARP also produces the nation's largest circulation publications: AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. By fighting on issues that matter most to Montana families and providing trusted information, we’re helping to empower Montanans to choose how they live as they age. Today, nearly 150,000 strong, AARP Montana is the largest membership organization in the state. As a nonpartisan organization, AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political action committees, campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org/MT or follow @AARPMontana on social media.

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