Volunteers Needed for AARP Tax-Aide Program

An AARP Foundation Tax Aide volunteer helps a client in Honolulu. Last year, 217 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers in Hawaii helped more than 12,821 people file their federal and state tax returns. PC: AARP

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide announced it is seeking volunteers on Maui for the upcoming tax season.

For 50 years, Tax-Aide has offered free tax filing help to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who can’t afford a tax preparation service.

Tax-Aide says volunteers will receive training and support and is in need for volunteer tax preparers, client facilitators, those who can provide technical and management assistance and interpreters. Every level of experience is encouraged. Volunteer tax preparers complete tax preparation training and IRS certification.

The service says volunteers make a difference in their communities by assisting many older, lower-income taxpayers who might otherwise miss out on the credits and deductions they’ve earned.

Last year, 217 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers in Hawaiʻi helped more than 12,821 people file their federal and state tax returns. The program is offered at approximately 28 sites in Hawaiʻi, including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

Nationwide, the program now involves nearly 35,000 volunteers and serves 2.5 million taxpayers annually at some 5,000 sites with free tax help.

In 2017, taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.37 billion in income tax refunds and more than $222 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. Taxpayers do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this program.

To learn about volunteer opportunities, click here or call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).