It's Tax Season and AARP Can Help

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

PROVIDENCE, RI – Now 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.

“AARP works hard in many ways to serve the state’s 50+ population,” said AARP Rhode Island State Director Kathleen Connell. “Getting free tax preparation is a big deal for many folks and our volunteers give people the peace of mind that they are in good hands. The Tax-Aide program – and the numbers are pretty astounding -- is real evidence of AARP’s commitment to lend a helping hand whenever we can.”

In 2016, Rhode Island AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped 10,699 people file their federal, state tax returns.  The program is offered at 37 sites in Rhode Island, including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

Last year, 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).

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.

About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation works to ensure that low-income older adults have nutritious food, affordable housing, a steady income, and strong and sustaining bonds. We collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to innovation and our passion for problem-solving. Supported by vigorous legal advocacy, we create and advance effective solutions that help struggling older adults transform their lives. AARP Foundation is the affiliated charity of AARP.