Get Help From Property Tax-Aide

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program started in 1968, and as the nation’s largest free tax preparation service, it helped 1.5 million taxpayers get more than $1 billion in refunds last year. It is running full speed right now, helping taxpayers prepare 2023 returns.

Less well known is a sister program focused on property taxes that helps older people with lower incomes get money back.

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More than 9 million Americans likely qualify for property tax relief, but only about 8 percent of them apply for it, according to AARP Property Tax-Aide research.

AARP Foundation’s Property Tax-Aide program, now in its fifth year, wants to see more people get the tax relief available to them. The program helps homeowners and renters determine if they qualify for state-administered property tax relief programs and provides resources to help with applications. “Navigating relief programs can be complicated, and we wanted to demystify the process,” says Emily Allen, a senior vice president at AARP Foundation.

In the past five years, through the work of volunteers and partner organizations, the program has helped Americans nationwide get nearly $10 million in property tax relief. It began in just a few states but has expanded to include a call center and new online resources tailored to residents in all 50 states.

Relief for those who qualify

Jim Mayerle of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, has been a volunteer with the Property Tax-Aide program for two years. “The majority of the people who use this program can ill afford the cost of a commercial tax preparation service,” he says. “We simplify the process for them, and they are delighted by our service.”

Eligibility criteria for property tax relief are set by states and often depend on age and income level as well as veteran and disability status. Filing deadlines vary by state.

The updated website features eligibility screeners, property tax relief filing applications and state-specific property tax information. The Property Tax-Aide program enables AARP Foundation to offer support to older and low-income Americans year-round, Allen says.

To find out more about the program, visit aarpfoundation.org/propertytaxaide.