AARP’s Tax-Aide Program Set to Resume Here
Dan McClelland
For the fourth year running, free help in preparing income tax returns will be available to area residents. The Tax-Aide program, which operates under the umbrella of the AARP Foundation, uses IRS-trained and certified volunteers to provide residents help in preparing and filing their federal and state returns. The volunteers will once again meet with residents by appointment, on Sunday afternoons in the Goff-Nelson Library Community Room, from January 29 through mid-April.
The program is open to any individuals, seniors or families desiring assistance, and is not limited by age or income level; you do not need to be an AARP member. The team of local volunteers has grown, and hopes to be able to help even more residents this year than in years past. The only limits on eligibility involve the complexity of the return; some more complicated tax situations—for example, involving income from a business with employees—may be beyond the scope of the program.
To receive help, start by picking up an advance meeting packet at the library beginning Jan 17th, then phone 518-359-5012 to schedule an appointment, and to have any eligibility questions answered. Leave a message and your call will be returned. Appointments are recommended; walk-ins will only be accommodated if a tax preparer is available.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest volunteer-based free tax preparation service. Volunteers are re-trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. They also adhere to strict rules of ethics and confidentiality. More information about the program, including what documents you will need, is available online at aarpfoundation.org/taxaide, or by emailing 141028051@aarpfoundation.org.