Art of Aging: Tax help for seniors

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The AARP Foundation has 21 tax aid offices in Philadelphia where low and moderate income seniors can get help filing their taxes for free.

The tax preparers are all volunteers. John Kelly has been doing it for 15 years. He is the District Coordinator of AARP Tax Aid,

"I retired as part of an early retirement program at age 60 which is pleasant and I decided I wanted to give something back," said Kelly.

Since 1968, the AARP Foundation has helped more than 50 million taxpayers.

Frankford resident, Mary Butler says, "It's a great thing for seniors to have a service like this where you don't have to pay to get your taxes done."

A number of seniors take advantage of the free service year after year.

Kelly says that's "Because they know it's a safe place to come and get their taxes done and they can trust you and they haven't paid anything to have that done."

The Foundation is geared towards seniors, the volunteers help anyone who meets the income guidelines.

"Nationally it is the largest volunteer program that exists. There are 35,000 people like me in the united states that do taxes under the program. And we will do anyone from 60 to 103," says Kelly.

The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery.

For tax help or to volunteer, go to AARP or visit our Art of Aging section.