(File Photo: Source for Photo: The likeness of Benjamin Franklin is seen on a U.S. $100 bill, Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2023, in Marple Township, Pa. In a time of high inflation and high interest rates, refunds for taxpayers are on average 10% smaller this year compared with last year, in part due to expired pandemic relief programs. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

(Reported by Danielle Smith of Keystone News Service)

(Harrisburg, PA) Pennsylvania residents who need assistance filing their income tax returns can use the free services of the AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program. You don’t have to be an AARP member or a senior citizen to get help. The program’s Kathleen Hoffer says the full-service tax program assists Pennsylvanians with federal, state and local returns. She adds their main focus is to serve individuals with low to moderate incomes. Hoffer emphasizes the volunteers are trained and IRS-certified to ensure they are up to date on the latest changes to the Tax Code. The nationwide program is available through mid-April. Volunteers have helped one-point-seven million people secure nearly one-point-three billion dollars in total refunds.