Tax-Aide volunteer questions & answers
Prospective AARP Tax-Aide volunteers will have the opportunity to talk with Tax-Aide volunteers that live in their area to ask questions about the program.
Below are some frequently asked questions from prospective volunteers:
Do I need to join or be a member of AARP to be a Tax-Aide volunteer? No, you do not need to be a paid member of AARP. However, you will need to register on the AARP.org website in order to complete the on-line Tax-Aide application and to access Tax-Aide resources once you are a Tax-Aide volunteer.
Who are Tax-Aide Volunteers? They come from all walks of life. Some are retired teachers (elementary through university), some are retired from the armed services, some from professional vocations. Their ages range from the 50’s to the 80’s. They all share one thing – they enjoy helping others.
Do I need to be retired? No, you do not need to be retired. However, it has been our experience that it is difficult to hold a job and also become a tax-aide volunteer.
Do I need to know the basics of how to operate a computer? Yes, Tax-Aide volunteers need to be computer literate. All volunteers will prepare tax returns on a laptop computer supplied by Tax-Aide using tax software supplied by the IRS. You do not have to be a whiz or an expert, but you do need to have basic computer skills.
Do I need to be a tax expert? No, you do not have to know a great deal about taxes. It is, of course, helpful if you have perhaps done your own taxes. But regardless of your experience, we will train you to be proficient. Retired CPA’s, Tax Attorneys, and professional tax preparers are naturally exceptionally qualified.
Do I need to provide a computer? No, you do not need to own a laptop. One will be provided for you.
How much time do I need to spend training to be a tax preparer? You will need to plan on spending a number of hours at first as you begin your study. After the first year, this becomes easier and takes less time. You will spend three to five days attending a local tax school each year. You will need to pass an IRS test with 80 percent accuracy.
As a tax preparer, how much time will I be spending volunteering at a tax preparation site? You should be able to volunteer at least one day per week at the site. Most preparers volunteer between two and three days per week.
Will I be paid or allowed to take payments from taxpayers? No, all Tax-Aide volunteers receive no payment. We are not allowed to accept any type of payment from taxpayers.
Will I be reimbursed for certain expenses? Yes, volunteers are offered reimbursement for mileage and certain other qualified expenses.
After completing the on-line form, you will be contacted by an AARP Tax-Aide volunteer that lives in your area who can answer any additional questions you may have.