Become an AARP Tax Aide volunteer and help make a difference

The IRS-sponsored AARP Tax Aide Program is looking for volunteers for the 2020 tax filing season. AARP Foundation Tax Aides provide free personal income tax assistance and tax form preparation for low and moderate income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 50+.

During tax season, we set up tax preparation sites, many of them at public libraries and senior centers in the area. Last year, about 30,000 volunteers across the country helped prepare more than 1.5 million free federal tax returns at over 5,000 sites.

You need not have any prior tax experience. As an AARP Tax Aide volunteer, you will be provided with free training through IRS designed classes. The initial meeting for prospective volunteers is in early December. Tax preparation season runs from mid-January to mid-April. There are a number of volunteer sites on the west side of Cleveland and the western suburbs. In addition, the hours and days are flexible since our locations are open on various days of the week.

Our volunteers fill several roles:

• Counselors work with taxpayers to prepare the paperwork used for the tax return.
• Computer operators enter the taxpayer’s information into the computer for electronic filing and printing.
• Greeters welcome and assist our clients and keep our sites flowing smoothly.
• Technical coordinators use their knowledge of personal computers, software and electronic communication systems to set up and maintain the hardware and software used at our tax preparation sites.

As a volunteer, you’ll meet a great group of people! You’ll also feel fulfilled by giving some time to those who can use an extra hand with tax preparation. To volunteer go to taxaide.webs.com, or for additional information contact Dennis Driscoll, 440-808-1560. It’s a great program and we will welcome your help.