AARP needs tax volunteers

Douglas Dispatch

The American Association of Retired Persons Foundation (AARP) Tax-Aide program is seeking volunteers to prepare taxes at several sites throughout Cochise County.

The AARP Foundation program helps low to moderate income taxpayers have more discretionary income for everyday essentials, such as food and housing, by assisting with tax services and ensuring they receive applicable tax credits and deductions.

Prior tax return preparation experience is not required; training classes will be held in Sierra Vista in January 2013. Service is free of charge and is targeted to seniors and low income families.

Tax sites are open to the public starting February 1 through April 15. Volunteers are asked to work four hours a week for the 10 week tax season. It is not necessary to be a member of AARP to be a Tax-Aide volunteer.

There are several positions available: Client Facilitators who greet clients, check their paperwork and ensure that all needed documents are present; Tax Counselors who prepare the return by inputting data into the tax return software; and Quality Reviewers who review the completed return. In addition, they need Technical Coordinators who help setup and maintain computers, networks and printers and Local Coordinators to organize and oversee individual tax sites among other leadership positions.

To inquire about joining the team of volunteers, call Calvin A. Brower (520) 459-1875 or register online at the AARP Volunteer Portal: https://volunteers.aarp.org/