AARP-Missouri Set For Tax Season

KANSAS CITY, MO-- This year, AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 48th year, is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention to the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

"Over the history of the program, AARP volunteers have assisted thousands of people in preparing and filing their tax returns," said Craig Eichelman, AARP Missouri state director. "We could not do it without the volunteers across Missouri who make an indelible mark on their communities they help."

In 2014, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide's 36,000 volunteers at more than 5,000 sites provided 2.6 million people with free tax help. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure their knowledge of revisions to the U.S. tax code. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $257 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

Last year, 687 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 63,000 people file their federal, state and local tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 127 sites in Missouri including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

Preparation of tax returns under the Affordable Care Act (ACA) rules will require additional documentation from taxpayers this year. The good news is that for taxpayers on Medicare or Medicare Advantage for the full year, no further information is required. Otherwise, taxpayers need to bring along their family's health insurance coverage information, including information about Marketplace/Exchange purchases, and health care exemptions.

For more information on documentation is required or to locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Site, visit www.aarp.org/findtaxhelpor call 1.888.AARPNOW (1.888.227.7669). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.