50 million served, 50 million more to go.
PRESS RELEASE from AARP Foundation Alaska
With many sites now open and continuing through April 17th, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, celebrating its 50th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. Since its inception, the program has served more than 50 million taxpayers.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide started in 1968 with just four volunteers working at one site. Today, nearly 35,000 volunteers serve low to moderate-income taxpayers at 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers nationwide. There’s no fee, and AARP membership is not required.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. In 2017, the program’s volunteers helped 2.5 million people navigate complicated tax codes, ensure proper credits and deductions, and file their federal and state tax returns. Nationally, taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.37 billion in income tax refunds and more than $222 million in earned income tax credits (EITCs). In Alaska, taxpayers received more than $6.7 million in income tax refunds and more than $1.4 million in earned income tax credits (EITCs). They also avoided any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or refund loans.
Last year, 111 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 8,400 Alaskans file their federal tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 24 sites in the state, including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.
To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit www.aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call 1-888- AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.
About AARP Foundation:
AARP Foundation works to ensure that low-income older adults have nutritious food, affordable housing, a steady income, and strong and sustaining bonds. We collaborate with individuals and organizations who share our commitment to innovation and our passion for problem-solving. Supported by vigorous legal advocacy, we create and advance effective solutions that help struggling older adults transform their lives. AARP Foundation is the affiliated charity of AARP.
Mat-Su Valley Tax-Aide Sites:
- Mat-Su Senior Services
1132 S. Chugach St. Palmer
Now open Thursdays from 10am - 4pm.
Call 745-5454 for appointment, walk-ins welcome. - Mat-Su Evangelical Church
5201 E Mayflower Lane, Wasilla (About 7 Mile Palmer-Wasilla Hwy)
Now open Saturdays from 10am – 4pm, last day April 14th. - Wasilla Senior Center
1301 Century Circ. Wasilla
Mondays from 10am – 3:30pm. Closed Feb. 19th and Mar. 26th, last day is Apr. 9th.
Walk-ins accommodated if possible. Call 376-3104 for appointment. - Houston City Hall
13878 West Armstrong Rd. Houston
Feb. 6th, Feb. 27th, Mar. 30th and Apr. 3rd ONLY, from 10am – 4pm.
Call 746-6113 for appointment, walk-ins accommodated if possible - Trapper Creek Community Center
Near Mile 115.2 Parks Hwy. Trapper Creek
Feb. 13th and Mar. 6th ONLY, from 10am – 4pm.
Call 746-6113 for appointment, walk-ins accommodated if possible. - Upper Su Senior Center
16463 E Helena Dr. Talkeetna
Feb. 20th, Mar. 13, Mar. 27 and Apr. 10 ONLY, from 10am – 4pm.
Call 746-6113 for appointment, walk-ins accommodated if possible.
