Senior citizens need to be vigilant in ensuring their data will be protected and used only in appropriate ways if they choose to take advantage of free tax preparation services this season, the 60 Plus Association warns.
After the Athens Daily Review posted a feature on Feb. 6 that announced the availability of these free tax services, the 60 Plus Association issued a release detailing their concerns about the safety and security of Tax-Aide participants’ information once their taxes are filed.
Volunteers who have left the Tax-Aide program in other states have raised concerns that the AARP Foundation could use taxpayer data to make money. Tax-Aide policies allow the AARP full access to participants’ tax returns, addresses and other sensitive information. The 60 Plus Association also notes that AARP receives nearly $1 billion in royalties each year from other corporations, which includes almost $700 million from UnitedHealth for sales of Medigap plans to senior citizens.
“There are some very serious red flags regarding the AARP’s tax program, and America’s seniors should be extremely cautious when considering whether or not to participate,” James Martin, the chairman and founder of the American Association of Senior Citizens, told East Central Texas News. “Volunteers within the program itself have raised significant data and privacy concerns and seniors should be aware of these issues as they make decisions regarding their tax filings.”
In Athens, there will be three locations where seniors and individuals with low to moderate income levels can get help. The first is at TVCC, 100 Cardinal St., in Athens. These sessions continue through April 2 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
The second location is Silverleaf, 400 Church St. in Gun Barrel City, each Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through April 15.
The third location is Cedar Creek Library, 410 E. Cedar Creek in Seven Points. Services are available from 8 a.m. to noon on Mondays through April 13.
Call 903-778-2423 to arrange appointments at any of these locations .
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