AARP Tax-Aide Needs You

What do thousands of older, low- and middle-income Bay State residents do when facing tax time stress?

They turn to AARP Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest, free tax assistance and preparation program, and its dedicated corps of volunteers. This year, AARP Tax-Aide needs help from volunteers in communities across Massachusetts to get the job done. Volunteer opportunities are currently available for:

• Tax counselors
  
• Client facilitators
  
• Local coordinators
  
• District coordinators
  

Fulfilling Service

“Tax time can be challenging for everyone, but it can be particularly stressful for those without resources,” says Linda Fitzgerald, AARP Massachusetts state president. “AARP Tax-Aide volunteers help make tax filing a simple and pleasant experience for these individuals – while also enjoying challenging and fulfilling community service.”

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers assist individuals with the preparation of their federal and state basic income tax returns. Even if you don’t have accounting or tax preparation experience, becoming a Tax-Aide volunteer may be right for you. Training is provided in conjunction with the Internal Revenue Service and the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. On preparing forms and using tax preparation software.

Helping Thousands of Residents

In 2009, 24,000 Massachusetts residents received help with tax returns from 600 AARP Tax-Aide volunteers.

“Each year, thousands of people return to AARP Tax-Aide and our volunteers are a big reason. They are friendly, helpful, and know what they’re doing,” explains John Woods, AARP Tax-Aide state coordinator.

Volunteer in Your Community

From February 1 through April 15, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers provide face-to-face assistance at local sites across the commonwealth, including:

• Senior Centers
  
• Community Centers
  
• Libraries
  

In addition to helping with regular tax returns, volunteers also:

• Assist with electronic filing
  
• Answer questions online
  
• Provide help to individuals who are unable to leave their homes
  

Find Out More and Sign Up Today

Sign up online to volunteer or email questions to AARP Massachusetts at ma@aarp.org. You can also call us at 1-866-448-3621.

Training for AARP Tax-Aide volunteers usually begins in October or November.

AARP Tax-Aide is administered by the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated, 501(c)(3) nonpartisan, charitable organization established in 1961.