Volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide

Volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide
Another tax season is just around the corner—which means that you have an opportunity to make a real difference in your community. Volunteer for AARP Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest FREE tax preparation and assistance service, which served more than 9,000 low- and moderate-income Nebraskans in 2009.

“It’s a great way to learn new skills, be involved in your community and help people in need with their tax returns,” said Dorothy High, who has volunteered with Tax Aide for nearly a decade and currently serves as Nebraska’s statewide coordinator for the program.

“There are many kinds of volunteer opportunities at our tax sites throughout the state – from tax volunteers to greeters as well as communications and technology coordinators. In Nebraska, we have a critical need for volunteers who are willing to file taxes as well as volunteers who are bilingual in Spanish and English,” she added.

Volunteers are asked to give a minimum commitment of 40 hours over the 10-week tax season.  Expense reimbursement is provided for some program-related, out-of-pocket expenses with training planned for December and January.

Take a minute to review the volunteer descriptions below -- one of these positions might be right for you! For more information or to apply for a volunteer position, call toll-free 1-888-227-7669 or visit www.aarp.org/taxaide.

Like working with numbers?
AARP Tax Volunteers interact with clients by filling out tax returns. Even if you don’t have accounting or tax preparation experience, becoming a Tax Volunteer may be right for you. AARP provides training in tax law procedures, preparing tax forms, and using tax preparation software.

Like working with people better than working with numbers?
An AARP Tax-Aide Greeter is the first person clients meet when they enter a tax site. Greeters make sure the client has all the necessary paperwork before meeting with a counselor, and they manage the flow of clients being served.

Have a knack for computers and technology?
Technology coordinators manage computer equipment, work to ensure taxpayer data security or provide technical assistance to volunteers at multiple sites on technology issues.

Enjoy spreading the word about community services?
Communications coordinators promote AARP Tax-Aide to potential clients from February to April and recruit volunteers in the fall for the following tax season. They may also seek in-kind donations or help raise funds for computer equipment and other materials to maintain and expand services in their communities.

Volunteer Policy: AARP Foundation volunteers will receive equal opportunity and treatment throughout recruitment, appointment, training, and service. AARP does not discriminate based on age, disabilities, gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, economic status, or sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by law.  AARP Tax-Aide is administered by the AARP Foundation.