Volunteers needed for AARP Foundation tax-aide program

Vermont District 10–AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking to expand its team of volunteers for the upcoming tax season in Springfield, Chester, and Bellows Falls. Soon approaching its 50th year, Tax-Aide offers free tax filing help to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who can’t afford a tax preparation service.

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2017-10-04 / Springfield Volunteers needed for AARP Foundation tax-aide program SPRINGFIELD — Vermont District 10–AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is looking to expand its team of volunteers for the upcoming tax season in Springfield, Chester, and Bellows Falls. Soon approaching its 50th year, Tax-Aide offers free tax filing help to anyone, especially those 50 and older, who can’t afford a tax preparation service. Tax-Aide volunteers make a difference in their communities by assisting many older, lower-income taxpayers who might otherwise miss out on the credits and deductions they’ve earned. The district has sites in Springfield, Chester, Ascutney, Bellows Falls, Londonderry, and also assists in Windsor. Tax-Aide volunteers receive training and support in a welcoming environment. There is need for volunteer tax preparers, client facilitators, those who can provide technical and management assistance and interpreters. Every level of experience is welcome. Volunteer tax preparers complete tax preparation training and IRS certification. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has grown remarkably since its inaugural team of just four volunteers in 1968. The program now involves nearly 35,000 volunteers and serves 2.5 million taxpayers annually at some 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 (EITCs). Taxpayers do not need to be a member of AARP or a retiree to use this program, all according to a press release. Anyone interested in volunteering can leave their name and contact information with either the director of the Springfield Senior Center, Heather Hall at (802) 885-3933, or director of the Bellows Falls Senior Center, Teagen Kosut, at (802) 463-3907. More information about volunteer opportunities is available at www.aarpfoundation.org/taxaide or by calling (888) OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in coordination with the IRS.