The AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program began in 1968 and as the nation’s largest free tax preparation service has helped 1.5 million taxpayers receive more than $1 billion in refunds just last year.
Less well known to the public is Tax-Aide’s sister program, Property Tax-Aide, which helps older adults with lower incomes get money back.
More than 9 million Americans likely qualify for property tax relief, but only about 8 percent of them apply for it, according to AARP Property Tax-Aide research. Now in its fifth year, the program wants to see more people get the tax relief available to them.
Jim Mayerle of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, has been a volunteer with the Property Tax-Aide program for two years. “The majority of the people who use this program can ill afford the cost of a commercial tax preparation service,” he says. “We simplify the process for them, and they are delighted by our service.”
Eligibility criteria for property tax relief are set by states and often depend on age and income level as well as veteran and disability status. Filing deadlines vary by state.
The program helps homeowners and renters determine if they qualify for state-administered property tax relief programs and provides resources to help with applications. “Navigating relief programs can be complicated, and we wanted to demystify the process,” says Emily Allen, a senior vice president at AARP Foundation.
The program’s recently updated website features eligibility screeners, property tax relief filing applications and state-specific property tax information, and its resources are tailored to residents in all 50 states.
“We are thrilled that the Property Tax-Aide program enables AARP Foundation to offer year-round support to older and low-income Americans,” Allen says.
To find out more about the program, visit aarpfoundation.org/propertytaxaide.
I could use this help. I did not file last year as I could not get an appointment.