Tax-Aide Program Prepares for 2012 Season

In 1968, four volunteers started AARP Foundation Tax- Aide. In 2010, 529 Kentucky Tax-Aide volunteers helped 34,225 Kentuckians file federal and state returns at no cost. More than half (51 percent) of Tax-Aide’s clients say they would have paid a commercial tax preparer if Tax-Aide’s free service didn’t exist. But, with the help of Tax-Aide volunteers, Kentuckians received $19.4 million in tax refunds and low-income workers received $4.4 million in earned income tax credits, or EITCs.

For many, tax preparation can be a source of anxiety. But, AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers are IRS trained, certified and ready to handle a variety of returns. And Tax-Aide volunteers train and work hard to put tax-payers at ease.

One key to take some of the worry out of taxes is planning ahead, here’s what you’ll need to have ready and reduce the stress of the 2012 tax season:

• AARP membership is not required
  
• Positive Identification and Social Security numbers for all persons on returns
  
• Copy of last year’s income tax return(s)
  
• W-2 forms from each employer
  
• Unemployment compensation statements
  
• SSA-1099 if you were paid Social Security benefits
  
• All 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DV, 1099-misc, etc.) showing interest and/or dividends, as well as documentation showing the original purchase price of your sold assets
• 1099 R forms if you receive a pension or annuity
  
• All forms indicating federal income tax paid
  
• Child care provider information (name, employer ID, Social Security number)
  
• A list of itemized deductions that can be supported with receipts
  
• Social Security numbers for all dependents
  
• Tax-Aide services are available on a first-come, first serve basis
  
• Tax-Aide volunteers serve anyone whose needs fall within the training and skills of the volunteer preparers
  

AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide embodies the spirit of giving back and service that has always been the touchstone of AARP. Tax-Aide remains the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service available to low and moderate-income taxpayers of all ages with special attention to people age 60 and older. Since 1968, AARP Tax-Aide has helped more than 40 million people file their tax returns.

To find the nearest Tax-Aide site go to www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669) from Feb. 1 to April 15, 2012