AARP volunteer tax preparers sought
AARP Foundation will be providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. But first, the program is in need of volunteers to help prepare tax forms.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide thrives due to the remarkable efforts of its volunteer base. With nearly 50 million low- to moderate-income taxpayers helped and growing, there are always opportunities for new volunteers. Lack of experience shouldn’t stop anyone from volunteering.
Tax volunteers must 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 can provide language assistance in Spanish, Mandarin or Cantonese.
Last year, 1,197 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers in Oregon helped more than 80,795 people file their federal and state tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 134 sites in Oregon including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.
For volunteer information and an online application, visit http://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has grown tremendously since its inaugural team of just four volunteers in 1968. Nationwide, in 2014, 35,000 compassionate volunteers at over 5,000 sites provided 2.6 million people with free tax help. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $257 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 46th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, giving special attention the older population. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service or to volunteer.