Volunteer to help prepare tax filings. No accounting background – No problem.

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Volunteering with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Five ways to volunteer that don’t include tax prep

Each year individuals volunteer at thousands of AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites across this country to assist taxpayers in complying with their tax filing obligations. During the 2013 tax season, Tax-Aide utilized over 35,000 volunteers and served 2.6 million taxpayers. So it’s easy to imagine you can find a fulfilling volunteer experience in this outreach program.

There are multiple skills required to achieve this vast annual undertaking. A majority of Tax-Aide volunteers are individuals who actually prepare tax returns. These folks come to the program from every imaginable background, some with accounting and financial backgrounds, but that’s not required.  Training is provided.   All volunteers must have some computer experience to send and receive program communications by email and other purposes.

Tax preparers, whereas they represent the greatest number of volunteers in the program, are far from the sole participants. There are numerous volunteers who have no interest in tax preparation, and the good news is there is a place in the program for each of them.

Other than preparing tax returns, here are ways you may participate:

• Greeter
• Technology Coordinator
• Communications  Coordinator
• Leadership or administrative duties
• Speak a second language

There are opportunities at every Tax-Aide site for Greeters. These individuals directly interact with the clients on a one-to-one basis. Greeters answer questions that are of concern to taxpayers, but not questions that are tax-specific. Depending on the size of the local site and the Greeter comfort level, there may be screening duties, compiling tax records and returns to be retained by the taxpayer, and a variety of clerical and communication duties. If you enjoy working with people, this will be a perfect fit for you.

Greeters are not required to take any tax related courses, but there is a brief training program offered regarding the duties of a volunteer. Specific sites may also have training on Greeter duties that are routinely performed at that location.

Volunteers who speak a second language are always needed to work directly with taxpayers.

Computers are an important and integral part of the Tax-Aide program. Every year computers arrive in each district and they must be prepared for use at each site. There is information that must be entered on each computer. Printers are set up and e-file capabilities are created. Troubleshooting skills are in demand. Individuals with computer and systems experience are always needed and welcomed.

Volunteers are also needed in a variety of administrative and reporting positions at the district and state levels. Every effort will be made to match your skills, abilities and level of participation to make volunteering a rewarding experience for you.

Get started today – contact AARP Foundation Tax-Aide at www.aarp.org/taxvolunteer to start your adventure.