Organization: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program
Volunteer Service: Since 2017
What is the organization’s mission?
The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program provides free tax assistance to anyone, free of charge, with a focus on taxpayers who are over 50 and have low- to moderate-income. Volunteers for this program are certified through the IRS and know the ins and outs of the tax process and credits available to help people receive the refunds they deserve.
How did you get involved?
My dad was a tax preparer. When he was diagnosed with dementia, I stepped in to help with his business. The first year, I spent every day after work preparing documents for his clients and then worked with a CPA to verify and file the returns together. The next year, when we advised his clients to find another tax preparer, many requested that I continue to work with them.
A few years later, I was helping Gary, the District Coordinator for AARP, and he referred me to volunteer at AARP Foundation Tax-Aide to help more seniors in the community.
In what ways do you volunteer with the program?
I am the local coordinator for our AARP Tax-Aide Program in Central Wisconsin. In addition to preparing taxes, I do a lot of the background work to secure and train volunteers, guide them on their certification, and file their training with the IRS upon completion.
We start studying for the annual certification in November—though you can get started any time of year—so volunteers are ready for the start of tax season in January. Every year, there are new IRS tax laws and credits we need to know. We do everything we can to be prepared for any situation.
What is the most rewarding part of volunteering with this organization?
The most rewarding part is the gratitude of the people we help. Coming out of COVID, they are especially grateful because they had to find other outlets to file their taxes when we were closed the last two years. Some even offer to pay us, but we instead refer them to donate to the library that hosts us.
It’s rewarding to know that we’re able to help individuals get the refunds they deserve while supporting the community as a whole through our volunteerism.
How do you feel volunteering has influenced you personally?
I feel like I’ve become more compassionate. There are more people out there than you realize that struggle to make ends meet. Helping people file their taxes for free helps them go on with their week without worrying how they’ll pay for groceries or utilities that month.
For many, tax rules and credits can also seem overwhelming. People are usually so appreciative when I take time to explain the process or answer their questions. It reinforces that I am making a difference, even if it’s just for one person.