Volunteers Needed For AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

 

CHICAGO–AARP Foundation is looking to build its team of tax-loving volunteers. 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, Mandarin or Cantonese.

Last year, 1,123 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 83,147 Illinoisans file their federal and state tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 204 sites in Illinois including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

“AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program helps thousands of individuals, in Illinois and across the nation, that might not otherwise have access to tax preparation services,” said Bob Gallo, AARP Illinois State Director. “AARP Foundation’s Tax-Aide program is run by trained volunteers, who make an immeasurable impact on the individuals and communities they serve.”

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 understand the needs of lower-income older taxpayers. This welcoming program understands that retirement or other life changes may mean taxes 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.