AARP Tax Aide offers free in-person income tax preparation service at four local senior centers this year, with thanks to trained AARP Tax Aide volunteers, beginning February 5.
Last year, AARP Tax Aide Volunteers helped local seniors collect $879,000 in Federal refundsand $122,000 in State refunds, just over $1 million total, according to Karen DeAngelis, District Coordinator of the AARP Tax Aide program. “The average taxpayer refund was $1,400 Federal and $300 from the State,” she said. “We processed 1,221 returns last year, with roughly half receiving refunds. This year we added the Sugar Grove Library location and have additional preparers ready to help. We are hoping to complete a total of 1,400 returns,” she added.
This service is offered in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) as part of its Tax Counseling for the Elderly program (TCE).
Many seniors are booking their appointments now, and those interested in participating in the program can stop in at any one of four locations to secure an appointment. AARP Tax Aide Services will be available at Senior Services Associates, Inc. Aurora center, first floor at 2111 Plum Street, every Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. They will be at Senior Services Associates, Inc. Yorkville center at 908 Game Farm Road, every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.. The Oswego Senior Center at 3525 Rt. 34 will host AARP tax Aide on select Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Sugar Grove Public Library will host the service at 125 S Municipal Drive, on select Mondays from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m..
“They just started taking appointments on January 2nd, so this is perfect timing to book your appointment at the start of the season,” said DeAngelis. Volunteer Tax Aides have been providing this service for over 20 years in our area. Most tax return issues faced by those of low and moderate incomes can be addressed by this free tax preparation service. They give special attention to those aged 60 and older, but there is no need to be a member of AARP to participate and there are no age or income limits to the program.
The Tax Aide volunteers are trained yearly to prepare for each tax season and must pass an IRS certification test. Tax Aides are qualified to file both long and short tax forms as well as those with itemized deductions. However, Tax Aides are not authorized to file complex returns including rental income, farm income or self-employment businesses with a loss.
Clients need to complete an information form and bring along all their tax documents, including W-2 forms, 1099 forms, 1095-A (Marketplace Health Insurance), year-end brokerage statement, and a property tax bill if they own a home. Clients also need to present photo identification, as well as social security card or other official documentation for everyone included in the return. They will want to provide their checking account number for direct deposit of refunds and have their 2024 tax return available for review.
When making appointments, please consider the estimated preparation time is 90 minutes. After preparation, all tax returns will be reviewed before they are electronically filed.
Tax preparation appointments are available from February 5, through April 9. Please note that help is available by appointment only.
For more information, call one of the locations, Senior Services in Aurora, call 630-897-4035; Senior Services in Yorkville, call 630-553-5777; Oswego Senior Center, call 630-554-5602; Sugar Grove Public Library, call 630-466-4686.
You can also stop by one at of these locations to pick up a Tax Information Packet and schedule your appointment in person. Appointments book up quickly, so don’t delay,” DeAngelis said. New Tax Aide volunteers are always welcome. So, if this volunteer opportunity appeals to you, apply online at https://www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaidevolunteer.
Barb Nadeau is a freelance writer who has worked in public relations, as a television producer and an on-air host for television and radio, as a print journalist and managing editor, as well as in the non-profit sector networking among several social service agencies and service providers throughout Illinois. She is also serving a third term as an elected Alderman in the City of Plano Illinois. Contact Barb at bvnadeau@gmail.com.