AARP seeks Tax-Aide volunteers in 36 Michigan counties

LANSING, MI —AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service, is seeking volunteer tax-preparers in 36 counties across Michigan to help residents who need assistance preparing and filing their 2014 returns.

 The time commitment is about 10 hours for training and several hours each week from February 1 to April 15 doing counseling and tax return preparation. The volunteer prepares tax forms, answers questions and explains the return to the taxpayer, who is responsible for its accuracy.

 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers receive free tax training and are reimbursed on a limited basis for qualified program-related expenses. They help taxpayers at sites around the state, learning new skills while giving back to their communities.

 “Last year, we assisted more than 70,000 people prepare and file their tax returns,” said Bob Crews, Tax Aide State Coordinator for Michigan. “We could not do it without our more than 1,000 volunteers, who make an indelible mark on the communities they help.

 “The best part of our job is being able to help somebody who needs help, and the gratitude they show,” Crews said.

 Volunteers are needed in these counties: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Berrien, Branch, Charlevoix, Chippewa, Delta, Dickenson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Ingham, Isabella, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Lapeer, Leelanau, Livingston, Mackinac, Macomb, Marquette, Midland, Missaukee, Montmorency, Oakland, Ogemaw, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Tuscola, Washtenaw, Wayne, and Wexford.

 For additional information, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide