Tax-Aide Volunteers Make Tax Season Simpler

Counselors will answer your questions, help you with issues on your tax return, check your completed tax return or prepare your federal and state returns, including electronic filing.

“AARP volunteers are excited and ready to help Kentuckians with their tax returns,” said Delores Wathen, Kentucky AARP Tax Aide Program coordinator.

Tax-Aide operates some 90 sites across the state to meet the need of individual taxpayers; most sites offer both e-filing and paper returns.

Volunteers are trained to file the standard federal and state tax forms. Their training is extensive and starts many months before tax season. All counselors are required to pass a certification test administered by the IRS before they are allowed to process tax forms. Often, a new Tax-Aide volunteer will work with a veteran preparer before working independently.

Some Tax-Aide sites operate by appointment, but most sites operate on a first come, first serve basis. For more information on locations and times of operation, call AARP toll-free 1-888-227-7669 or use the online AARP Tax-Aide locator.

Other organizations in the state offer free tax help and can Kentuckians living in Anderson, Boone, Bourbon, Bullitt, Campbell, Carroll, Clark, Fayette, Grant, Henry, Jefferson, Jessamine, Kenton, Madison, Montgomery, Nelson, Oldham, Scott, Shelby, Spencer, Trimble and Woodford counties can dial 2-1-1 to find information on free tax preparation sites near them. For information about tax preparation sites outside the 2-1-1 calling area, taxpayers may call Community Action Kentucky at (800) 456-3452.

What to bring?

To be ready, individuals are asked to bring a few financial documents (if applicable):

• Completed copy of 2010 tax returns
  
• W-2 forms from each employer
  
• Social Security numbers for all dependents
  
• Any Social Security benefits (SSA-1099)
  
• Any Pension or Annuity payment (1099R)
  
• All forms showing paid federal income tax
  
• Documentation for itemizing deductions: medical expenses, mortgage interest and charitable donations
  
• All 1099 forms (1099-INT, 1099-DIV, 1099-misc.) showing interest/or dividends and documentation of original purchase price of your sold assets
  

Today, about 34,600 trained volunteers help more than 2.6 million taxpayers file their taxes annually. Tax-Aide is open to anyone, even non-AARP members, though it gives special attention to low- and moderate-income people 60 and older.

If you like numbers, working with people or have technology skills, Tax-Aide needs you. It’s a volunteer driven program and an important way to give back to others.

Even with tax season in full swing, you still have an opportunity to make a real difference in your community and get the satisfaction of helping others next season. If you’re interested in learning more and connecting with Tax-Aide complete and submit the online AARP Tax-Aide Prospective Volunteer Form.