Volunteers sought for AARP Tax-Aide program

Tax filing season may be months away, but AARP Foundation Tax-Aide sites in cities across Wisconsin are already seeking volunteers who want to serve their community by becoming tax preparers for the program.

Tax-Aide focuses on serving older adults with low to moderate income and helps them secure much-needed tax refunds, according to Tax-Aide Prospective Volunteer Specialist Richard Blackburn. Volunteers provide free tax preparation and filing services to taxpayers, as well as other services.

Anyone interested in learning how to become a Tax-Aide volunteer can visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaidevolunteer or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669).

Volunteers are trained, and classes are generally held in December or January for the upcoming tax filing season. The amount of training required depends on the position. All levels and types of experience are welcome to apply. Volunteers come from a variety of industries, ranging from retirees to college students, and do not need to be AARP members.

During tax filing season – February through April – volunteers assist taxpayers while the local site is in operation. Users can find the nearest Tax-Aide location in their area by visiting the Tax-Aide site locator, which will be available starting in mid-January. There are 92 Tax Aide sites across Wisconsin, which means there is likely one within driving distance of most state residents.

For the 2024 tax season, nearly 28,000 volunteers at 3,600 sites across the country helped nearly 1.7 million taxpayers receive $1.3 billion in refunds. The importance of the Tax-Aide program and the difference that volunteers make in people’s lives cannot be understated, Blackburn said.

“These volunteers make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable older adults right in their communities by helping build their financial resilience,” he said. “Even modest refunds can impact the lives of older adults. Our Tax-Aide volunteers help make sure they don’t miss out on the credits and deductions they have earned and need.”

Dating back to 1968, Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program.

About AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program Wisconsin residents can get their taxes done for free beginning in early February and continuing through mid-April. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the nation’s largest free tax preparation assistance service. AARP membership is not required. Visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaide for details.