Volunteers needed for AARP Tax Aide Program

The AARP Foundation is AARP’s affiliated 501c3 charity for helping in communities all across America. Founded in 1961, its work is crucial: to build a society in which everyone ages with independence, dignity and control. The AARP serves all seniors — not only AARP members. One of the resources offered each year is the AARP Tax Aide Program. It is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service. More than 33,000 volunteers annually provide free tax assistance and preparation service.

Volunteers are needed for the upcoming tax season. Training classes are held in January. Volunteers are asked to participate in training exercises, show by written example a basic knowledge of tax law with relation to senior taxpayers, and become certified by the IRS. These tasks are accomplished as a direct result of training by experienced tax-aide that volunteers will be working with. The program works as a team, and no one volunteer is expected to do more than any other or work entirely alone.

Volunteers are asked to spend at least four hours per week during the tax season that begins Feb. 3 and continues until April 15. All equipment and training materials will be provided at no charge.

Locally in the La Crescenta/La Cañada/Sunland-Tujunga area there are three sites: The Montrose Library, Sparr Heights Community Center and the Sunland Senior Center.

Anyone interested in becoming a tax-aide volunteer should contact Charlotte Carstensen, district coordinator, via e-mail at charcarstensen@yahoo.com, or by phone at (818) 790-1225.