AARP Idaho Volunteers Make Tax Time Less Taxing

Across the Gem State, Tax-Aide sites open and ready to help low and middle income taxpayers file returns at no cost

BOISE, Idaho, Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Tax season is here. And while it's no doubt a far cry from most Idahoans favorite time of the year, help is available to make it, well, less taxing.  More than 280 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers in more than 57 Idaho communities are at the ready to help low to moderate income taxpayers of all ages prepare their 2011 Income Tax Returns at no cost.

Tax-Aide is the nation's largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service available to low and moderate-income taxpayers of all ages with a special emphasis on assisting individuals 60 years of age and older, all free of charge.  Volunteers are IRS trained and certified, and ready to prepare a variety of returns and have the ability to file electronically. 

"The current economy has seen many people's financial picture change, which can have a large impact on their taxes," said Angel Cortez, Interim State Director for AARP in Idaho. "The Tax-Aide program and trained AARP volunteers are here to help Idahoans navigate the increasingly tricky waters of filing their income taxes for free."

Last year 286 volunteers across Idaho helped prepare and file more than 27,732 returns, helping them identify and receive deductions for which they may be eligible.  Across the country in 2010, Tax-Aide volunteers helped people receive more than $233 million in Earned Income Tax Credit, a source of cash for people with limited resources.

The Tax-Aide program began in 1968 with four volunteers. Since that time, it has grown to a program that involves over 33,000 AARP volunteers who help nearly 3 million individuals nationwide file their federal, state, and local taxes each year.

Tax-Aide volunteers receive training from the Internal Revenue Service and are trained in filing the 1040 Form and the more standard schedules, including Schedules A and B. In addition, E-Filing is offered at most Tax-Aide sites without charge to the taxpayer. Most Tax-Aide sites begin operating in early-February and are operational until April 15th. The Tax-Aide program also has an online assistance tool where individuals can pose questions to Tax-Aide volunteers year-round.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Tax-Aide program or to find a Tax-Aide site near you, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669).

AARP is Idaho's largest membership organization with more than 180,000 members.

Follow us on Twitter @AARPIdaho and Facebook: AARP Idaho

SOURCE AARP Idaho