AARP Offers Free Tax Counseling
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2004-03-03 11:43:00-05:00
As the countdown to tax day begins, many Oregonians can count on AARP to help manage tax-time stress. From Feb. 1 through April 15, the association offers a free tax-counseling program—AARP Tax-Aide—to assist taxpayers with the preparation of federal and state basic income tax returns.
Free Tax Counseling
Available to middle- and low-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 60 and older, AARP Tax-Aide provides face-to-face counseling services at more than 167 sites across the state, including senior and community centers, libraries and other convenient locations. AARP Tax-Aide also provides counseling services to individuals who are unable to leave their homes.
A Well-Trained, Professional Volunteer Corps
More than 167 AARP Tax-Aide volunteers have been trained in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service and the Oregon Department of Revenue to perform tax counseling services. AARP volunteers are well versed in Oregon tax rules, including any tax credits available for residents age 65 and older who meet certain criteria.
Last year, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 49,000 Oregon residents with tax returns and questions. Also, Oregon led the nation with total e-files—over 21,926 returns were filed electronically.
The exceptional quality of service provided by these dedicated volunteers consistently earns the program high marks in customer satisfaction. Each year, AARP Tax-Aide achieves a significant rate of repeat customers who say they return to the program due to the friendliness, helpfulness, knowledge and skill of AARP Tax-Aide volunteers.
To find an AARP Tax-Aide site in your community or a neighboring community, visit the online Tax-Aide Site Locator or call 1-888-AARP-NOW (1-888-227-7669).
Prepare for Your Meeting with AARP Tax-Aide
Before meeting with an AARP Tax-Aide volunteer, gather together some basic information and bring it with you to the AARP Tax-Aide site:
- 2003 tax forms and preparation booklet
- Copy of last year's income tax returns
- W-2 forms from each employer
- Unemployment compensation statements
- SSA-1099 form if you were paid Social Security benefits
- All 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-misc., etc.) showing interest and/or dividends, as well as documentation showing the original purchase price of your sold assets
- 1099R forms if you received a pension or annuity
- All forms indicating federal income tax paid
- Child care provider information (name, employer ID, Social Security number)
- All receipts or canceled checks if itemizing deductions
- Social Security numbers for all dependents
Other Resources
- AARP Tax-Aide
- Internal Revenue Service
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