Senior Voice -

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is now recruiting for volunteers for the 2023 season. As a Tax-Aide volunteer, you Volunteers can help out in the local community, at a site near you. We do need your help, and you can really make a significant difference in the lives of our friends and neighbors here in Alaska.

Free tax preparation is an important boost for individuals and families. Sometimes the tax refund means keeping the heat on or helping with rent for our Alaska’s most vulnerable residents.

Becoming a volunteer tax preparer is easier than you think. No prior tax return preparation experience is necessary, and all the training materials are provided. Volunteers should enjoy talking to people and feel comfortable asking questions, have basic computer literacy, and be willing to refer to resource materials for tax law. Training is free and starts in December. You will use your own computer for training and once a volunteer is certified, an AARP laptop is issued for tax preparation.

Want to volunteer but don’t feel comfortable with tax preparation or are unable to undergo the training? Volunteers are also needed to greet people, help with the intake questionnaire, make reminder calls, and offer technical assistance. Tax-Aide is also looking for client facilitators, local coordinators, and administrative coordinators to expand the program. None of those positions needs to take the 40 hours of tax training. Volunteers are also needed to greet people, help with the intake questionnaire, make reminder calls, and technical assistance. Volunteers who are proficient in other languages are also needed.

Volunteer roles and hours are flexible. If you have questions about becoming a volunteer, please send an email to alaskataxaide@gmail.com. Visit http://aarpfoundation.org/taxaidevolunteer to fill out a volunteer application or learn more about the program. We look forward to working together.

Thank you for making a difference.

Allegra Hamer is the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program State Coordinator.