Volunteers needed for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide in Montana

From AARP Foundation

HELENA — AARP Foundation is looking to build its team of volunteers for its Tax-Aide program in Montana. Tax-Aide is a free tax assistance and preparation program for taxpayers with low to moderate income through the AARP Foundation.

“Many older, low-income taxpayers miss out on the credits and deductions they’ve earned because they can’t afford to pay for professional tax preparation. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide addresses this community need through its volunteers,” said Tim Summers, AARP Montana state director. “We have a wonderful team of Tax-Aide volunteers in communities across Montana — new volunteers will find them enjoyable and rewarding to work with.”

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has volunteer opportunities for people at every level of experience who want to stay sharp while giving back. Tax volunteers will complete a tax preparation workshop from the Internal Revenue Service prior to working with taxpayers. There is also a need for grass-roots leadership, on-site greeters, those who are skilled in technology, and dedicated translators who can provide language assistance in Spanish, Mandarin or Cantonese. 

Last year in Montana, 189 AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 12,544 residents file their federal and state. Refunds in Montana totaled more than $5.52 million. The program is offered at approximately 29 sites in Montana including senior centers, libraries and other convenient locations.

“As people age it’s important to be active, stay connected in social settings and to challenge their minds in order to maintain optimal brain health,” said Summers. “AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are not only helping people within their community but they are doing all those things that help keep their minds healthy as well.”

  AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has grown remarkably since its inaugural team of just four volunteers in 1968. The program now involves more than 35,000 volunteers and serves 2.5 million taxpayers annually at more than 5,000 sites nationwide 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.

  AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 49th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service. Its volunteer advisors understand the needs of lower-income older taxpayers. The program was designed with the understanding that retirement or other life changes may mean taxes can be a little more complicated.  Its advisors are trained to help ensure that taxpayers of all ages and backgrounds receive applicable tax credits and deductions. Those seeking the services of AARP Foundation Tax Aide do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this free service. 

For more information, visit http://www.aarp.org/taxaide or call 1-888-OURAARP or 1-888-687-2277. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.