AARP’s free Tax Aide program enters its 42nd year

by Terry Duffy
Lewiston Porter Sentinel, January 23, 2010

The tax season is under way. And with that AARP announces the return of its popular Tax Aide program to serve the preparation needs of area residents.

Local organizer, Lewiston resident Keith Fox of the AARP Tax Aide NY4 state management team, reports that AARP’s Tax Aide is the largest free, 100 percent volunteer tax preparation program offered in the U.S. In coming days AARP tax preparers will be available to assist taxpayers at locations in Niagara County, including in Lewiston.

The program has grown tremendously since it started in 1968 with four volunteers, reports AARP. Approximately 34,600 AARP Tax-Aide volunteers, trained in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service, now help more than 2.6 million taxpayers file their federal, state, and local tax returns each year. The AARP Tax-Aide program is offered at approximately 6,500 locations nationwide.

It is available to taxpayers with low- and moderate-incomes; special attention is given to those age 60 and older. And the program utilizes the expertise of professionals who assist filers with their tax preparations at no charge. “We are all 100 percent volunteers that come from various walks of life,” says Fox. “Most are retired professional people. They have been successful in their business careers, and rather than needing to work for a little extra money, are able to give back to the community. These people include bankers, CPAs, engineers, yes even rocket scientists and financial planners.”

Why choose AARP Tax Aide? It boasts a staff of volunteers well trained in IRS tax procedures, says Fox. “Our volunteers are likely better prepared to prepare personal taxes than most of the part-time people that the various tax preparation companies hire during the tax season.”

He points out, for example that few requirements exist for those who become tax preparers with conventional tax preparation firms. AARP Tax-Aide counselors on the other hand, are all extensively trained, and must pass rigid tests provided by the IRS. Fox notes that the IRS at present does not mandate certification of tax preparers, but is expected to so in the future.

AARP Tax-Aide preparers are trained to assist with filing the 1040 Form and the more standardized schedules, including Schedules A and B. “We are up to date on the latest changes in the law. We are all certified to do taxes at a personal level by the IRS.

“The time an individual needs to get up to speed to do a good return can be time consuming,” adds Fox. “Just filing a ‘simple’ personal income tax form is very complex this year. With the stimulus programs the IRS has added schedules L and M – most people will have to complete at least one of these. Did you get the $250 Stimulus money that you should have gotten?”

Fox points out that AARP Tax Aide preparers do limit their work to those filing individually or couples. “We do not do complicated or business returns,” he notes, saying those having more complicated returns or business returns would need to seek professional assistance.

Electronic filing (e-filing) is offered at most sites, with no charge to the taxpayer. E-filing ensures more accurate tax returns and faster processing of tax refunds.

Starting in coming days and through the April 15 filing deadline, AARP Tax Aide preparers will be available on a walk-in, first-come, first serve basis at the following locations:

•In Niagara Falls, tax counselors will be at the Duke Senior Citizens Center, 1201 Hyde Park Blvd. Times are: Monday and Tuesday, 1 to 3:30 p.m., Wednesday 9 a.m. to noon, and Friday 10 a.m. 2 p.m. Call 297-9324 for information

•In the Lewiston area, counselors will be at the Lewiston Public Library, 305 South Eighth St., on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons – call 754-4720 for more information. Counselors will also be at the Lewiston Senior Center, 4361 Lower River Road, on Friday afternoons – for more information call 754-4720.

AARP will also be assisting at sites in Lockport and Medina. And in Erie County, AARP Tax Aide services 22 different sites.

Filers are reminded to bring all pertinent information, including:

•Your copy of last year’s tax return (2009)

•All income statements (W-2 forms, SSA-1099 for Social Security benefits, all 1099 forms for annuities and pensions, interest, dividends, etc.)

To locate a site near you, starting Feb. 1, call 1-888-AARPNOW or visit the AARP Web site at www.aarp.org/taxaide for year-round assistance.