Senior Center Seeks Tax Help, Card Players

Know something about computers and software and looking for an opportunity to give back? Our Senior Center and COA correspondent Donna Gill reports that the Tewksbury Senior Center is still in need of volunteers to help prepare tax returns as part of the AARP’s Tax-Aide program.

The free program, now 50 years young, runs nationwide and is aimed at people 50 and older and those with low to moderate incomes, but Tax-Aide is open to anyone who needs assistance. The group’s 3,600 volunteers are certified by the IRS and helped clients receive more than $1 billion in income tax refunds in 2021.

How it works: The program provides volunteers with training classes on Federal and Massachusetts tax laws and the IRS computer program that its team uses to prepare returns. Previous experience with preparing personal or family tax returns is helpful, but not essential.

Interested individuals may apply here, on the AARP website. If you have questions or problems applying, you’re invited to contact the Tewksbury Senior Center at 978-640-4480 or 978-866-2464.

Note that the AARP Foundation say its Tax-Aide volunteers can help with most but not all tax returns. For example, if you are eligible and did not receive all or part of a stimulus payment to which you are entitled, they can help you get a tax credit for the amount you’re owed. You can also get help with earned income tax credits, childcare credits, estimated taxes and more. Those with complicated returns, such as a small business with employees or someone who collects rental income, will likely need a paid preparer.

More from the Senior Center: Donna reports that those who like to play Cribbage or Whist should come on down to the Senior Center to join in. Cribbage is played on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m., and Whist is played on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m.. You do not need to sign up, just drop in. She recommends arriving 15 minutes early.

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