AARP FOUNDATION OFFERS FREE TAX ASSISTANCE AND PREPARATION PROGRAM

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 48th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has grown tremendously since its inaugural team of just four volunteers in 1968. In 2014, 35,000 compassionate volunteers at over 5,000 sites nationwide 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 $257 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

Last year in Massachusetts, 670 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 41,200 people file their federal and state tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 230 sites across Massachusetts, including:

Lexington Senior Center, 1475 Massachusetts Ave; open Monday-Friday. To make an appointment, call (781) 861-0194.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are well-versed in federal and state tax rules, and focused on helping taxpayers identify all the tax credits and deductions for which they may qualify, including:

• “Circuit Breaker” tax credit available to Massachusetts property owners and renters who are age 65 and older and meet certain criteria;
• Energy Efficiency Credits which may be available to qualifying Bay State residential property owners; and,
• Schedule HC, proof of health insurance coverage, which is required of all Massachusetts residents.
“Nobody is more grateful than a senior with low income who just found us, was expecting to get no money back on his or her return, but gets a refund thanks to the ‘Circuit Breaker’ tax credit,” says John Woods, volunteer state coordinator for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. This year’s maximum “Circuit Breaker” credit is $1,030. Taxpayers may also file an amended return for up to three years.

What to Bring
If married, both spouses should be present during an income tax counseling session. Taxpayers must have all information and documents that apply to their 2014 income taxes, including:

• Proof of identity (picture or other documentation).
• All income statements that apply to the taxpayers.
• Social Security number (Social Security card or Benefit Statement-Form SSA-1099) for taxpayer and all dependents.
• Copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns.
• Personal check if direct depositing tax refund, with bank checking account and routing numbers.
To find the nearest AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site (aarp.org/findtaxhelp) go to www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669).