AARP Unable to Help Much With 2024 Tax Returns

[SoulSurvivor61]

 I received an email from AARP regarding their upcoming Tax  season for the elderly and low income population. Unfortunately I fall under this category.  For years, I have always had my taxes done by them and was always able to make an appointment over the phone with many days  and times to choose from(even Saturdays).  The email went on to say they will no longer have appointments because "we are short many volunteers this year so there is no call center or central appointment site available.  So we will revert back to pre-COVID procedures and do walk in same day appointments." They will be at the public library  here only 2 days a week for  a span 6 hours and everyone has to stand in line for the same day appointment. But you can stand there for a while and never get a same day appointment because it will fill up quickly, so the next day you have to do it all over again and possibly never get the appointment then either.  I am just saying this makes it very hard for those of us who still have to work a part time. Also, in an area of over 350,000, this is a really terrible and stressful way for older people and/or anyone with disability conditions to try to get taxes done. It seems to me AARP should start paying their Tax Preparers so perhaps this shortage wouldn't happen and maybe just charge a small $10 fee for us to get our taxes done. I am not sure now why I signed up with AARP or what the benefits or discounts are for being a "member"🤔

[AltheiaW270586]

I don't think this is true. 

We the taxpayers paid for meny things, so getting our taxes done is a very important priority!

[DirkB349973]

If you do a google search for "free tax preparation", you will see many options. Even the IRS has a program.

[jh8565246]

From the other side of the situation, I was going to sign up to volunteer to do taxes last year.  The schedule for volunteering was awful--times like 6-9 at night (I don't like to drive on icy roads at night), noon to 2 on a Saturday (that just kills the whole day when you have family obligations, and why just 2 hours?) or locations that were a 30 minute drive away (which would eat up some gas).  I decided not to volunteer. I don't know if it was because I was new all the "good" assignments were already taken.  Perhaps that's why they're shorthanded now.  

[SoulSurvivor61]

I get that.. I don't like working or driving anywhere at night either.  I had been getting my taxes done by the AARP volunteers for years.  In the city/state I am in though,  the appointments were never beyond 7pm and had morning/early afternoon appointments on Saturday.  It's seems almost impossible now to get taxes done by them  in my  area because of this shortage and minimal window they are available. I guess that's why I suggested they may want to start paying their tax preparers and charging a small fee so this would not happen to the people who depend on this service.  Anyway, it disappointing and I will have to find another way to do my taxes this year.

[GailL1 · Accepted solution]

Try using the IRS.gov FREE file

IRS.gov FREE FILE - Do Your Taxes for Free 

It should be up and running later on this month.

[SoulSurvivor61]

Thank you... I'll look into that😋