Tax Assistance Available Across Idaho

Tax season is in full swing and locations are available across Idaho to assist people with preparing their returns.  The AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program offers in-person help to people with low and moderate incomes.  They don't have to be AARP members to participate.  There are 27 sites available across the Gem State.

Tax-aide state coordinator for AARP Idaho Karen Cummings said the program can help people get back money they didn't know they were owed.

"It saves a lot of money and it refunds a lot of money from the IRS," she said.  "Some people wouldn't normally, maybe even go get a paid preparer because it wouldn't be worth their time if they don't have a filing requirement. So, we help a lot of people."

Cummings added that everyone involved gains something from the experience.

"We both benefit," she continued.  "Both the volunteers feel good about helping the community and the community is extremely grateful that we're there to help them out."

Because filing taxes primarily involves computers now, Cummings said the tax-aide program is especially helpful for people who aren't very computer literate.  Last year in Idaho, volunteers filed more than 14,500 federal returns and nearly 14,000 state returns, with refunds totaling $16.7 million.

Learn more about the tax-aide program, or find a location near you by Clicking Here.

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