About AARP Tax-Aide
AARP Tax-Aide was established in 1968 to help older persons complete their tax returns — a process which can be daunting and costly. A national survey has found that roughly half of the nation's adult population lacks the most basic skills to prepare a tax return. The tax laws are complex, and often persons with limited means end up using a significant portion of a refund simply to have their taxes prepared. Trained AARP Tax-Aide volunteers help persons with low- and middle-income maximize their legal deductions and credits, resulting in tangible economic benefits to them. The program began with four volunteers, who served 100 persons that season; in 2004, the program had grown to over 32,000 volunteers, who assisted 1.88 million persons at sites throughout the United States.
AARP Tax-Aide is administered through the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the IRS. The AARP Foundation is AARP's affiliated charity. Foundation programs provide security, protection and empowerment for low-income older persons in need.
Today, AARP Tax-Aide is an important part of AARP's commitment to community service, helping to improve communities by providing this valuable service and offering volunteers meaningful, satisfying community service roles.
Program Impact
- 1.88 million served in 2004—36 million since the program began in 1968
- 60 taxpayers, on average, are served by each AARP Tax-Aide volunteer counselor per season
- 8,500 sites provide this free, confidential, reliable service throughout the United States
- More than 400,000 taxpayers used the Federal return program's e-filing capabilities in 2003
- 11,000 taxpayers used the program's online tax counseling service in 2004
- Customers indicated a 97% "very or extremely satisfied" rating in the 2003 AARP Tax-Aide Customer Satisfaction survey
- Taxpayers now save over $40 million in tax preparation fees annually by using this free program
- Strong partnerships with site sponsors and others in communities across the United States
- Public awareness, acceptance and goodwill for AARP and the AARP Foundation achieved in communities
- AARP research cites tax preparation assistance as a key need and one that is valued in the Hispanic community
Volunteer Impact:
- AARP Tax-Aide program offers a range of meaningful leadership and direct service opportunities in:
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- Site development
- Coordination
- Management
- Volunteer recruitment
- Training
- Program promotion
- Technology usage
- Tax counseling both online and at local AARP Tax-Aide sites
- Partnership and communications
- Over 32,000 volunteers commit their time and talents to help in their communities
- AARP Tax-Aide volunteers provided over $48 million worth of volunteer time in 2003
- Volunteers see the direct, immediate benefit of helping others
- Satisfying volunteer experiences - 96% of program volunteers are "very satisfied" or "satisfied" with their position; 93% would take their position again if given a choice
Future Goals and Objectives for AARP Tax-Aide:
- Develop service sites in new and underserved communities
- Increase recruitment of volunteers from diverse communities
- Develop and expand national partnerships
- Encourage greater e-filing of tax returns to better serve taxpayers
Related Links
AARP Foundation Supported Programs
Community
Service
AARP Connections
AARP Tax-Aide is administered by the AARP Foundation
