Rochester Voice 9:20 a.m.
Thursday, February 5, 2026 9:19 am

CONCORD - Older Granite Staters can get expert help filing their taxes at no cost this tax season through AARP Foundation Tax Aide, the nation's largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program, run by AARP Foundation, the charitable affiliate of AARP. Now open through April 15 throughout the state, Tax-Aide has served more than 82 million people nationwide since its launch in 1968. Last tax season, more than 28,300 volunteers helped over 1.7 million taxpayers secure more than $1.3 billion in refunds and credits.

Older adults with low income saved $578 million with the help of Tax-Aide. The program is offered in conjunction with the IRS and open to all eligible taxpayers -- no AARP membership is required to participate.
"During the 2025 tax season alone, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers completed 13,832 returns in New Hampshire with refunds of over $11 million," said AARP NH Tax-Aide Coordinator Chris Rose. "Tax-Aide helps older adults get the refunds and credits they've earned, free of charge and with no hidden fees. For many on fixed incomes, that refund can make a real difference in covering everyday essentials, like food, utilities and medicine."

Tax-Aide volunteers provide free tax preparation and filing services to those who qualify, with a focus on adults living with low to moderate income. Volunteers are trained and IRS-certified every year to ensure they understand the latest changes to the U.S. Tax Code. That includes the new senior bonus deduction --up to $6,000 for individuals age 65 and older, or $12,000 for those filing jointly -- a change AARP helped fight for.

"Tax-Aide helps older adults get the refunds and credits they've earned, free of charge and with no hidden fees," continues Rose. "For many on fixed incomes, that refund can make a real difference in covering everyday essentials, like food, utilities and medicine."

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide offers a variety of options to better meet the needs of taxpayers. Access to the different types of assistance varies by location and is subject to change.

• In-Person: Tax return prepared and filed by a certified volunteer in one visit.
• Drop Off: Leave documents at the site; return is prepared remotely. Pick up and file during a second visit.
• No Site Visit Required (Internet Access Required): Upload documents online; volunteers work with you remotely to prepare and file your return.
• Online Coaching: Prepare your own return with remote support from a volunteer.
• Facilitated Self-Assistance: Schedule a site appointment to complete and file your own return with volunteer coaching
• Self-Preparation: Use Tax-Aide's software to prepare your own return independently.

Users can find their nearest Tax-Aide location and assistance options through the Tax-Aide site locator. The site locator features a Tax-Aide chat bot that can help book an appointment, answer questions about the program, and transfer the conversation to a live agent if needed or requested. For more information, including which documents to bring to the tax site, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).