Published: February 02, 2007 11:03 am      

AARP Tax-Aide program kicks off Monday

For many people, tax time means anxiety. AARP Tax-Aide is a program designed to make filing tax forms a lot easier for all taxpayers with middle to low income, with special attention to those age 60 and older. Volunteers are offering free help with personal income tax returns to taxpayers from Feb. 5 to April 16.

The AARP Tax-Aide program, administered through the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the IRS, is a wonderful resource for the American taxpayer. Tax laws, including special provisions for older people, can be confusing. AARP Tax-Aide volunteers make the process of filling out tax forms a lot easier.

Last year in Maryland, 37,526 taxpayers were helped by 714 dedicated volunteers.

Locally, AARP Tax-Aide offers help at these Locations: The Senior Center in Frostburg, located at 14 Water Street, Frostburg. Counselors will be available on Mondays at this site. For an appointment, please call (301) 689-5510.

On Tuesdays, tax counselors will be available at the LaVale United Methodist Church, 565 National Highway, LaVale.

Wednesday's counselors will be available at the South Cumberland Library, 100 Seymour Street in Cumberland. Please call (301) 724-8626 to make an appointment for these two locations.

The Senior Center in Cumberland, located at 19 Frederick Street, will offer tax assistance on Mondays and Thursdays. No appointment is necessary at this location, as they operate on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hours for all aide services are noon to 4 p.m.

Taxpayers are asked to bring last year's return, all tax forms received from employers, pension providers, banks, stock brokers, etc. Social Security cards for all on the return will be needed along with birthdates for those on the return. If filing a joint return, BOTH persons must be present to sign, or bring an official document allowing you to sign for that person. In the event of inclement weather, Tax-Aide operates on the same schedule as the public school system. If school is closed for the day, Tax-Aide will be closed also.

Nancy Wertz
Communications Coordinator