Volunteers Needed For AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is the nation's largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service

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Oct 08, 2015, 02:56 ET

HARRISBURG, Pa., Oct. 8, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AARP Foundation is looking to build its team of tax-loving volunteers. Tax-Aide is a free tax assistance and preparation program for taxpayers with low to moderate income available through the AARP Foundation.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has volunteer opportunities for people at every level of experience who want to stay sharp while giving back. Tax volunteers will complete a tax preparation workshop from the Internal Revenue Service prior to working with taxpayers. There is also a need for grass-roots leadership, on-site greeters, those who are skilled in technology, and dedicated translators who can provide language assistance in Spanish, Mandarin or Cantonese.

Last year, 1,389 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers across Pennsylvania helped more than 113,500 people file their federal, state and tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 323 sites statewide, including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

"AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program helps thousands of Pennsylvania residents that might not otherwise have access to tax preparation services," said AARP Pennsylvania State Director Bill Johnston-Walsh. "People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to volunteer and give back to their community."

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has grown remarkably since its inaugural team of just four volunteers in 1968. The program now involves more than 35,000 volunteers and serves 2.6 million taxpayers annually at more than 5,000 sites nationwide with free tax help. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $250 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 48th year, is the nation's largest free tax assistance and preparation service, and our army of volunteer advisors understand the needs of lower-income older taxpayers. This welcoming program understands that retirement or other life changes may mean taxes are can be a little more complicated, but our personal attention and assistance ensures that taxpayers of all ages and backgrounds receive applicable tax credits and deductions. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

For more information, visit www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-OURAARP (1-888-687-2277).

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.

About AARP Foundation

AARP Foundation is working to win back opportunity for struggling Americans 50+ by being a force for change on the most serious issues they face today: housing, hunger, income and isolation. By coordinating responses to these issues on all four fronts at once, and supporting them with vigorous legal advocacy, the Foundation serves the unique needs of those 50+ while working with local organizations nationwide to reach more people and make resources go further. AARP Foundation is a charitable affiliate of AARP. Learn more at www.aarpfoundation.org.

Contact: Steve Gardner, AARP PA
(717) 237-6481 or sgardner@aarp,org

SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania