AARP offers free help with tax returns

Published 11:42 pm Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Volunteers with the AARP Tax-Aide assistance and preparation service have their  tax forms ready and computers turned on – all in preparation to begin e-filing 2008 returns.

  Beginning Tuesday, Feb. 3, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will assist low- and middle- income taxpayers with their 2008 tax returns. All Tuesdays during tax season volunteers will be at The Salvation Army Activity Center, 120 Sixth Ave. (B Street and Sixth Avenue) from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.  Thursdays during tax season volunteers will be at East Mississippi Electric Power Association, 2128 Hwy. 39 N from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Volunteers are Sandra McMullan, Galen Bonebrake, Ann Calcote, Hilda Roberts, and Mary Ethridge. Each year they receive formal training and are re-certified to be Tax-Aide volunteers.  Wilda Gibson will be the greeter again this year. 

  AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest, free, volunteer-run tax program.  It was founded in 1968 nationally and has been offered in Meridian for several years. The free service can answer most of the tax issues faced by low- and middle- income taxpayers. Last tax season almost 3 million customers were helped by AARP Tax-Aide volunteers nationwide.

  This service is not limited to residents of Lauderdale County. People from surrounding counties are welcome. This service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Customers should bring their 2007 tax return along with their paperwork for 2008 and social security cards for all members of the family. This year real estate taxes are deductible even if you do not itemize so anyone that paid real estate taxes should bring their real estate tax receipts. 

  For more information call McMullan at (601) 692-2758.