In Cochise and Santa Cruz Counties, free tax services are provided by AARP Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) and Vounteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA).

The AARP Foundation administrated the TCE program at sites located in Benson, Elfrida, Douglas, Nogales, Rio Rico and Sierra Vista.  These sites compose TCE Arizona District Nine.  The program is also known as the AARP Tax Aide. It is the largest free, volunteer-run tax couneling and prepatation service in the country.

You do not have to be an AARP member or a retiree to volunteer with the program. Neither are you required to be an AARP member or senior to receive our service.

Last year TCE completed its 2 millionth tax return since the program was authorized by U. S. Congress. Last year at over 100 sites AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers helped Arizonans to file  over 38,000 returns which 95% were E-Filed.

Each year both TCE and VITA have requirement for new volunteers.  Volunteers receive free training and become IRS certified by passing an exam. Then,

they help low and middle income tax payers file their taxes at TCE or VITA sites.  Volunteers are also needed for Leadership positions. Lead volunteers help coordinate the program at sites or manage specific program activities such as technology, training, administration or communication. Tax training and certification is encouraged, however, it is not required for all positions.

For more information about becoming an AARP Tax-Aide Volunteer, call toll-feee 1-888-OUR AARP, 1-888-2277 or visit www.aarp.org/taxaide. In Cochise County you may call MS. Irene Wetzel, 520-803-0467 or Ms. Sue Tingle, 520-378-0245.  In the Nogales and Rio Rico Area, you may call 520-761-8052.

The AARP Foundation is an affiliated 501 © (3) nonpartisan charitable organization. Our volunteers do not accept any donations for the  preparation of taxes.  However, computers with MS 2000 or XP operation systems can be donated.  If you are interested, please contact Calvin A. Brower, 520-459-1875.

The VSA sites are locayed in Benson, Douglas and Nogales.  The program is designed to provide young payers with earned income assistance in their tax preparation. The program is administrated by the Southern Arizona Catholic Community Services. Those who wish to volunteer for the VITA program may call Mr. Gus Cross 520-586-3460 and Douglas the Catholic Community Services, 520-364-6789.