Tax season returns, and, once again, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program stands ready to assist taxpayers with form preparation.

Tax-Aide sites began taking appointments for free tax preparation and e-filing services in early February. The program has a special focus on assisting taxpayers over 50 or those who have low to moderate income.

Tax-Aide will continue to offer the same suite of options as last year.

That includes:

• Low contact models which allow taxpayers to drop off their papers or have them scanned and return to review.
• Fully virtual service.
• Virtual coaching services.

Much of what is available will depend on local Covid-19 conditions.

Local Tax-Aide sites have the discretion to run their sites in a way that keeps everyone safe, complies with state and local laws, and takes into account the number of available volunteers.

“Tax-Aide is a free service for anyone who needs help completing their tax return and filing it electronically,” said Cindy Gossett, AARP Tax-Aide Washington state coordinator. “Our dedicated and certified volunteers will provide the same high-quality service as in years past, just in a different way to accommodate Covid-19.”

Tax-Aide sites are encouraged to offer more than one service model, and that information will be available at the Tax-Aide site locator website.

Those interested in utilizing AARP Foundation Tax-Aide can get more information, including a comprehensive list of documents to bring to the tax site, by going to aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or calling 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).

Tax-Aide is capable of processing most personal tax returns with some limited exceptions.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide operates the nation’s largest volunteer-run free tax preparation service. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code.

In 2021, a million taxpayers using AARP Tax-Aide Foundation received more than $689 million in income tax refunds. They also avoided any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or “refund loans.” The service is offered in conjunction with the IRS, and AARP membership is not required.quired.