Whatever your skill set, there’s a role for you... Whatever your skill set, you’ve got what it takes!
Giving back feels good. Especially when it’s for a cause as worthwhile and rewarding as AARP Foundation Tax-Aide.
We’re looking for volunteers who want to make a difference by directly helping people who can’t afford to pay for professional tax preparation — and often miss out on much-needed tax breaks and refunds as a result.
You don’t have to be a tax pro to volunteer with us. Whether you’re looking to stay sharp during retirement, learn new career skills, or simply share experiences with other like-minded volunteers, there are many ways you can help.
Volunteer with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Like working with people better than working with numbers?
A 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.
Like working with numbers?
Tax-Aide Preparers 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.
Good with online coaching?
Help taxpayers who would like to prepare their own tax returns but need a little coaching. Combines tax preparer skills with virtual mentoring.
Speak a second language?
Your skill is valued!
We need bilingual speakers in all roles, and interpreters who can assist other volunteers.
To apply to be a Tax-Aide volunteer, go to https://aarpfoundation.org/taxaidevolunteer
At the AARP Login page, click on "Create Account" if you are new to the AARP Foundation site, otherwise if you already have an AARP Foundation account, enter your email address and previously established password.
VOLUNTEER POLICY: AARP Foundation volunteers will receive equal opportunity and treatment throughout recruitment, appointment, training, and service. There will be no discrimination based on age, disabilities, gender, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, economic status, or sexual orientation.
What does being a tax preparer involve?
1. New and returning tax counselors receive training materials from the IRS and the local Tax-Aide training team in late fall. Using those materials, other on-line resources, and locally provided training classes, you’ll learn the tax law basics and how to use our software.
2. In late January, you will take an open-book IRS Certification test to make sure you either know the basics of the tax law or know how to find the answers. And, you’ll create some sample tax returns as practice with an assigned mentor.
3. Then, February through mid-April, you’ll be helping clients with their tax returns. When you run across a new twist, your mentor or others at the site will be happy to help you continue to improve your tax preparation skills and you’ll soon become an expert!