AARP Foundation seeks Tax-Aide volunteers

AARP Foundation is looking to build its team of tax-loving volunteers in Michigan. About 275 volunteers are needed at most Tax-Aide sites from Metro Detroit to the Upper Peninsula.

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, those who are skilled in technology, and dedicated translators who can provide language assistance in Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Mandarin and other languages.

Last year, about 1,000 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers in Michigan helped 70,227 people file their federal, state and local tax returns. They received $26.2 million in refunds. The program is offered at 170 sites in Michigan including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

Volunteers are needed in about half of the state’s 83 counties. There is especially strong need for volunteers in Waterford, Flint, Southfield, Livonia, Lansing, Garden City, Rochester and Marysville. Local coordinators and/or trainers are needed in Plymouth, Troy and Rochester. Volunteers with a tech background are needed in Benton Harbor and Niles.

“As people age they don’t challenge their minds nearly as much as they did when they were younger,” said Robert Crews, AARP Michigan Tax-Aide Volunteer Coordinator. “AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are not only helping people within their community but they are giving their mind a workout as well.”

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has grown remarkably 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, and our army of volunteer advisors understands the needs of lower-income older taxpayers. This welcoming program understands that retirement or other life changes may mean taxes are can be a little more complicated, but our personal attention and assistance ensures that taxpayers of all ages and backgrounds receive applicable tax credits and deductions. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this 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.

 

About AARP Foundation AARP Foundation is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. By coordinating responses to these issues on all four fronts at once, and supporting them with vigorous legal advocacy, the Foundation serves the unique needs of those 50+ while working with local organizations nationwide to reach more people and make resources go further. AARP Foundation is a charitable affiliate of AARP. Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org .