April 1, 2002

The Michigan Department of Treasury and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) are again teaming up to provide tax help to thousands of senior citizens throughout Michigan. The Treasury department has trained more than 1,000 volunteers who will be staffing AARP tax assistance sites around the state, preparing tax returns for senior citizens. This free service is available in nearly every county in Michigan; some sites take appointments while others provide walk-in service. To locate the site closest to your home, call the AARP, toll free at 1-888-227-7669.

State Treasurer Douglas B. Roberts says this service helps thousands of senior citizens every tax season. "We are very pleased to be able to continue this program, with the help of the AARP. Without it, many seniors around Michigan might have difficulty getting their tax returns done correctly and filed on time."

Seniors filing for credits should pay close attention to the order in which their forms are submitted; the MI 1040 should be the first form, followed by the MI 1040CR (Homestead Property Tax Credit), then the MI 1040CR-7 (Home Heating Credit). The Home Heating Credit return must be received by September 30, 2002, to ensure that claims will be covered.

Roberts says, senior citizens can also contact the Michigan Department of Treasury at 1-800-487-7000 for answers to specific questions. Representatives are available from 7 AM until 7 PM, Monday through Friday. Beginning April 8, through April 15, 2002, representatives will be staffing the toll free lines from 7 AM until 11 PM.  For more information from the  AARP, please visit their Web site at www.aarp.org.