Local AARP Volunteers Help Hundreds File Tax Returns

Apr. 26—Now that the tax return filing deadline has passed, taxpayers are eagerly awaiting their returns.

For 575 Lewis County households this year, taxes were filed free of charge by local AARP Foundation tax aide volunteers, according to an AARP news release.

"With many of the returns being filed for married couples, the number of taxpayers helped was much higher," Kirsten Klein, local AARP Foundation tax-aide program coordinator, said in the release.

Tax aides worked at three different locations up until the April 18 deadline, including at the Twin Cities Senior Center, Morton Senior Center and in the Stillwaters Estates in Centralia. A total of 20 tax aides volunteered at the locations beginning in the last week of January.

While the majority of taxpayers who used the AARP program were seniors and veterans, according to Klein, a person doesn't actually have to be a senior or AARP member to use the program.

The AARP's website states the program offers free tax preparation to anyone, although it's aimed at anyone over the age of 50 who can't afford a tax preparation service.

"They are all relieved to have their returns done," Klein said in the release. "They're grateful and appreciate all we do as volunteers. Hearing them say thank you is all I need."

Additionally, Klein is looking for volunteers to help with next year's tax season, including both client facilitators and tax counselors. Anyone interested in receiving training to volunteer as a tax aide can call Klein at 360-836-0960.

The AARP Foundation tax aide program has more than 25,000 volunteers serving people in over 4,000 communities nationwide each year. For more information, visit www.AARPFoundation.org/taxaide.