There's Still Time to Become a Tax-Aide Volunteer

AARP Foundation is looking to build its team of volunteers for its Tax-Aide program. Tax-Aide is a free tax assistance and preparation program for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has volunteer opportunities for people at every level of experience who want to stay sharp while giving back. Tax volunteers will complete a tax preparation workshop from the Internal Revenue Service prior to working with taxpayers. There is also a need for grass-roots leadership, on-site greeters, and those who are skilled in technology.

Last year in Utah, 121 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 7,000 people file their federal, state and local tax returns. The average benefit per turn was $600, with a total of $5,271,000 in refunds received.  The program is offered at approximately 39 sites throughout the state including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

"Tax-Aide provides an invaluable service to Utahns needing assistance filing their tax returns in the state, while helping volunteers stay active and engaged in the community," said  AARP Utah State Director Alan Ormsby.  "People who volunteer with Tax-Aide are dedicated, well-trained individuals who give back hundreds of hours of their time to provide this very popular free service in the state."


AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has grown exponentially since its inaugural team of just four volunteers in 1968. The program now involves more than 35,000 volunteers and serves 2.6 million taxpayers annually at more than 5,000 sites nationwide with free tax help. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $250 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 48 ^th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. Its volunteer advisors understand the needs of lower-income older taxpayers. The program was designed with the understanding that retirement or other life changes may mean taxes can be a little more complicated. Its advisors are trained to help ensure that taxpayers of all ages and backgrounds receive applicable tax credits and deductions. Those seeking the services of AARP Foundation Tax-Aide do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this free service.

 

For more information, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-OURAARP (1-888-687-2277).

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.