One of the free IRS tax prep services that DeKalb County Public Library hosts each year is the AARP Tax-Aide program. AARP volunteers help hundreds of people each year file their taxes and collect their refunds. The IRS provides the computers and software. Volunteers complete approx. 100 hours of training before assisting low- and middle-income taxpayers of any age with their federal and state tax returns.

At the Dunwoody Library, Jerry Vitt is returning for his 12th year as an AARP Tax-Aide Coordinator. Last year his crew of volunteer tax counselors filed more than 750 tax returns. Mr. Vitt said, “The one thing I wish everyone knew is that this service really is absolutely free. It’s open to everyone, not just seniors, and you don’t have to be a member of AARP.” He added that even if someone doesn’t need to file a federal tax return, they should still come in to see if they’re eligible to claim the Georgia low income tax credit. The Dunwoody location files about 95% of the tax returns electronically, but they can print out a paper copy for those uncomfortable with the internet.

When you come to the library for tax help, bring the following with you:

• current year’s tax forms and booklets
• copy of last year’s tax return
• all income forms, such as W-2, SSA-1099, all 1099 forms
• child care provider information (name, employer, ID, SS#)
• receipts or canceled checks if itemizing deductions.
• Social Security cards or other official documentation for yourself and all dependents

Take a look at the AARP Tax-Aide website for more information about this program and for a list of all their locations, so you can let your grandmother in Florida know about this terrific FREE program.

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