New local location for AARP Tax-Aide

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 46th year, is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service. One does not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

For several years, the program has been available at the Lewiston Senior Center. However, due to scheduling problems, the site has been moved this year to the Youngstown Presbyterian Church, 100 Church St. Services will be available from 12:30 until 3:30 p.m. Fridays.

Those taxpayers who have normally had their returns prepared at the senior center may make reservations by calling Youngstown Presbyterian Church at 716-745-7067.

Ken Greulich, AARP Tax-Aide local coordinator, said, "We are sorry for the inconvenience this move may cause those who have been accessing our services at the Lewiston Senior (Center). Guidelines made this move necessary this year, but we are working with the senior center to set up a new schedule for next year. We have always found the senior center staff very helpful and we appreciate their disappointment and understanding during this shift of locations."

AARP Tax-Aide workers also prepare taxes at the Lewiston Public Library, 305 S. Eighth St., from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, or by reservation at 716-754-4720.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program has grown significantly since its inaugural year in 1968 (with just four volunteers). In 2014, 35,000 volunteers at more than 5,000 sites 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.