PRESQUE ISLE and CARIBOU, Maine — AARP offers an interesting, challenging and rewarding volunteer opportunity to help the winter months seem to go just a little faster.
The AARP Tax-Aide program is gearing up for the upcoming tax season and seeks volunteers to prepare and electronically file federal and state income tax returns for low- to moderate-income taxpayers. The team of volunteers will be available Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at the VFW in Caribou.
This program is provided totally free of charge to eligible taxpayers. Tax-Aide preparers help take away the frustration and stress often associated with income tax preparation.
Training is in January with actual return preparation starting in February. The popularity of this program with volunteers is evidenced by the fact that many of them continue with the program long term.
The demand for the AARP Tax-Aide program increases each year. Due to both growth and attrition, new volunteers are needed each year. Volunteers of all ages are welcome and do not need to be members of AARP.
In addition to tax preparation, many other volunteer opportunities are available. These include greeting taxpayers, trouble-shooting computer and printer problems, assisting with publicity or assuming one of several leadership roles. Right now the greatest need is for volunteers who are willing to prepare tax returns.
Once trained, volunteers are asked to commit a minimum of eight hours per week over the 10-week tax filing season. Many volunteers opt for more. All volunteers are reimbursed on a limited basis for qualified program-related expenses, including mileage.
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is offered in coordination with the Internal Revenue Service. It is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance program.
Last spring in Maine, at 55 locations, 260 volunteers met with, answered questions and prepared returns for approximately 24,000 Maine taxpayers.
To learn more or volunteer, visit www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or contact district coordinator Penny Kern at penny.kern.pk@gmail.com.
