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AARP has free tax help...Tax-Aide Program Launches 2009 Season on February 1

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- It seems that everyone is tightening their belts these days. Why not cross "hiring a tax person" off the list? The AARP Tax-Aide program was created to help low- and middle-income taxpayers prepare and file their income tax returns with the IRS, free of charge.

Every year, from February 1st through April 15th, trained and certified volunteers will prepare your federal tax return, and each year, more locations are equipped to file your return electronically, allowing you to receive your refund much faster.

Visit http://www.aarp.org/money/taxaide/ to find a local Tax-Aide site.

Important Information about AARP Tax-Aide Services

• Many AARP Tax-Aide sites are operated on an appointment basis; during open tax season, check the site locator for contact information and hours of operation
• Limited sites are staffed by bilingual volunteers; check the site locator to see if the site nearest you offers bilingual assistance.
• Answers to tax questions are not available by phone. If you have a question, please use our Online Counseling form to ask your federal tax question through this Web site.
• In most situations, it is necessary to visit an AARP Tax-Aide site in person to have your tax returns prepared by AARP Tax-Aide volunteers. However, when needed, arrangements can be made to assist shut-ins and the homebound disabled persons to provide counseling at special sites, such as hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, etc. To request an AARP Tax-Aide volunteer to serve a special group of persons at a specific location contact us at taxaide@aarp.org.
• If email is not accessible, you can contact AARP Tax-Aide by phone at 1-888-AARP-NOW or write to: AARP Tax-Aide, 601 E. Street NW, Washington DC 20049-1214. Please note, during the tax season the volume of mail is extremely high. If possible, please contact us by phone or email for a quicker reply.
• AARP Tax-Aide is a free tax assistance service for low- and middle-income taxpayers, with special attention to those 60 and over. However, if your tax return is relatively complex you will be advised to seek professional tax assistance.
• If an AARP Tax-Aide site is not available in your local area, contact the IRS directly for information about other free tax preparation assistance:
• 1-800 829-1040
• 1-800 829-4477 (tax info and tax refund status)
• 1-800 829-3676 (publications information)

The AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowerment for older persons in need. Low-income older workers receive the job training and placement they need to re-join the workforce.

Free tax assistance and preparation is provided for low- and moderate-income individuals, with special attention to those 60 and older.

The Foundation's litigation staff protects the legal rights of older Americans in critical health, long-term care, consumer and employment situations.

Additional programs provide information, education and services to ensure that people over 50 lead lives of independence, dignity and purpose. Foundation programs are funded by grants, tax-deductible contributions and AARP