This year, AARP Foundation is again providing free tax assistance and preparation for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program. This program, in its 46th year, is the largest free tax assistance and preparation service in the nation. You do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this service.

Tax-Aide has grown tremendously since its first team of four volunteers in 1968. In 2014, 35,000 volunteers at over 5,000 sites provided 2.6 million people with free tax help. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.3 billion in income tax refunds and more than $257 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs).

Alaska AARP Foundation Tax-Aide needs new volunteers for the upcoming tax season. Tax volunteers must complete tax preparation classes that are taught by IRS-certified AARP and IRS instructors. Lack of experience should not stop anyone from volunteering. Materials for the course are provided by the IRS. Beginning classes will start in December. There also is a need for greeters at the sites.

Last year, Alaska AARP Foundation Tax-Aide with 98 volunteers, helped more than 6,000 people file their federal returns. Those people received more than $6 million in tax refunds. There are 12 cities in Alaska that provide this free service: Anchorage, Chugiak-Eagle River, Fairbanks, Juneau, Homer, Ketchikan, Seward, Sitka, Soldotna, Palmer, Wasilla, and Wrangell. These services are provided at libraries, senior centers and other convenient locations. Volunteers are needed in all cities.

Go to aarp.org/taxaide for more information and to complete an application. Click on “ Volunteer for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide”. Scroll down to “Become a Volunteer” in the yellow box and complete the application form. Someone from the organization will contact you. Thank you for time and consideration for this important volunteer service.

Jan Watson is a Prospective Volunteer Specialist for AARP Alaska.