Preparing your taxes can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be! AARP is now offering the Tax-Aide program to assist military members and others in filing their state and federal tax returns.
This is a free program that is available by appointment to all military personnel, veterans, and their families. There is no age restriction or requirement to be an AARP member to use this program.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program provides a range of tax preparation assistance models designed to help veterans and those in the military and others. Options include:
- Safe, in-person services
- Virtual assistance
- Hybrid options with in-person and virtual services
While Tax-Aide is geared toward those who are 50 and older or those with low to moderate incomes, it is also open to anyone free of charge. An AARP membership is not required to utilize these services.
VA Payments and Federal Taxes
If you have received payment from the VA, it is important to keep in mind that the following are exempt from federal taxes:
- VA disability payments and education benefit payments
- VA life insurance policy interest
- Money that was paid to a survivor of a member of the armed forces who passed away after September 10th, 2001
- Benefits provided under a dependent-care assistance program
- Bonus pay from a state, county, city, or town for service in a combat zone
Veteran State Tax Facts
When it comes to state taxes for veterans, keep the following in mind:
- State tax benefits are typically only available to veterans who were honorably discharged or released under honorable circumstances from active duty.
- Most states provide additional benefits to veterans who are disabled.
- State benefit typically includes a form of exemption on property taxes based on value.
- Oftentimes, benefits will be transferred to a spouse or surviving spouse of veterans who were honorably discharged.
You can visit Pennsylvania’s revenue website, which outlines the state benefits for veterans and how you can apply for them.
Learn More About How Veteran Place is Helping Veterans
For additional resources, such as building credit for veterans, read more on our blog. At Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard, we provide veterans with a variety of life-sustaining programs, including employment and education assistance, housing, food, clothing, and much more to help end veteran homelessness in the Pittsburgh region.
To donate, visit our Donate page, or to learn more about the services we provide, contact us today!
Robert (Rob) Hamilton, Executive Director of Veterans Place, graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with a B.A. in Public Service and is currently completing a masters degree from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA) in Public Policy and Management. Prior to attending Pitt, Rob served in the United States Army National Guard as a military police officer where he worked in crime prevention and emergency response throughout the state of Pennsylvania. He also holds a Supervisor/Manager Certificate from Penn State University and a Non-Profit Management Certificate from the University of Pittsburgh. Rob is currently a board member of South Hills Pet Rescue and is an elected official of the Lower Burrell City Council in the Public Works Department. He is the Co-Chair of the leadership portion of the Allegheny County/Pittsburgh Veteran Homeless Boot Camp Committee. Rob received the 2018 prestigious Salute Our Heroes Recognition from the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Who’s Next 2019: Community Leaders & Activists Award from the Under 40 and Making a Difference: The Incline Award. In 2019 Rob received the VA Challenge Certificate of Appreciation.
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