AARP Foundation lists free tax preparation sites

Now through Monday, April 15, the AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program at more than 37 locations around Delaware.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. Since its inception, the program has served more than 50 million taxpayers. Tax-Aide volunteers are trained and IRS-certified each year to ensure they know about and understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code.

At the Cape Henlopen Senior Center in Rehoboth Beach, free tax preparation service is offered from 8:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesdays. To make an appointment, call 302-227-2055.

At the Rehoboth Beach Public Library, free tax preparation service is offered at 4, 5, and 6 p.m., Mondays; and at 2, 3, and 4 p.m., Saturday, March 2 and 16. To make an appointment, call 302-227-8044.

At CAMP Rehoboth, tax preparation volunteers are available from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 12 and 26, March 12 and 26, and April 12. To make an appointment, call 302-227-5620.

At the Lewes Senior Activity Center, free tax preparation service is available from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m., Mondays. To make an appointment, call 302-645-9293. 

At the Lewes Public Library, tax prep volunteers are available from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturdays. To make an appointment, call 302-703-7198 and leave a message.

At the Milton CHEER Center, free tax preparation service is available from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Fridays. For an appointment, call 302-684-4819.

Returns that fall within the guidelines of Tax-Aide usually take 45 minutes to complete. If a return takes more than an hour, a person may be asked to schedule another appointment to complete the return.

Some returns are outside of the scope of the Tax-Aide program and cannot be done. A joint return requires the signature of both spouses. Although preparers are certified by the IRS, taxpayers are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of their own returns. Federal and state returns are electronically filed.

In 2017, the program’s volunteers helped 2.5 million people navigate complicated tax codes, ensure proper credits and deductions, and file their federal and state tax returns. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide help received $1.37 billion in income tax refunds and more than $222 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. They also avoided any tax preparation fees and pitches for high-interest tax credit or refund loans.

Last year, 177 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 13,498 people file their federal and state tax returns.

To find an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site or for more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, go to www.aarpfoundation.org/taxhelp or call -888-227-7669. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.