Volunteer
What is required to be a Tax-Aide volunteer?
The basic requirement is a willingness to assist an underserved population of low and moderate income individuals and families prepare their Federal and Vermont state income taxes. Some computer literacy is required.
What are the volunteer positions?
Some of our volunteers wear many hats and most Districts use a team approach, sharing responsibilities across titles. However, Tax-Aide offers a range of meaningful leadership and tax counseling opportunities. Training is provided for each position, usually at District level.
Client Facilitator (CF) greets taxpayers upon their arrival at a tax preparation site and helps them complete the necessary intake forms required. They also check that proper identification is confirmed and may organize income and other tax documents in preparation for the Tax Counselor.
Tax Counselor (TC) assists individuals with the preparation of their tax returns in accordance with the guidelines established between the IRS and the AARP Foundation. Computer literacy is required.
Training Coordinator (TrC) / Instructor is a tax counselor with at least several years’ experience in the Tax-Aide program, with knowledge of Federal and Vermont tax law, and tax preparation experience with the software used in the program. S/He is also selected because of teaching ability.
The State Training Specialist (TRS) conducts training classes each year to help with teaching methodology as well as new aspects of federal and state tax law.
Local Coordinator (LC) implements the AARP Tax-Aide program plans in one or more assigned geographic localities. The LC recruits, appoints, ensures adequate training, supervises, and evaluates Counselors (tax preparers).
Technology Coordinator (TC) works with the District Coordinators and members of the state management team to implement, maintain and evaluate automated systems for tax service, administrative procedures and volunteer training. The TC coordinates technology-related responsibilities, including evaluating and recommending needed computer software and hardware to provide electronic filing.
Communications Coordinator (CC) works with the District and Local Coordinators to implement and maintain publicity and recruitment efforts throughout the local region.
District Coordinator (DC) implements AARP Tax-Aide program plans in one assigned geographic area. Districts are usually formed roughly along county lines. The DC recruits, appoints, trains, supervises and evaluates Local Coordinators, Instructors, and Communications Coordinators. The DC monitors all activities in the District.
What type of training is involved with being a Volunteer Tax Counselor?
Training for both new and returning volunteers is organized within a District. New volunteers receive 3 to 5 full days of training, where they will be oriented to Tax-Aide and learn basic tax law as well as being trained on using the tax preparation software provided by the IRS. After training, volunteers take the IRS’s open books certification test on their own. The online-line test is available at www.irs.gov/app/vita/index.jsp. After passing a Standards of Conduct and the Advanced exam (for counselors) with a score of 80 percent or above, they will be certified to prepare taxes for the entire season at a Tax-Aide site within their District. Client Facilitators need only to pass the Standards of Conduct test. Returning volunteers must also pass the Advanced certification exam and are offered a refresher course covering tax preparation basics, as well as updates for the new tax year. All volunteers should check with their District or Local Coordinators for the current Training Schedule with times and locations. Note: All volunteers are expected to attend appropriate training sessions. Check here for additional training information.
If I certify as a Tax-Aide volunteer, where would I serve?
There are 66 Tax-Aide sites in Vermont, mostly located within Senior Centers, public libraries, or Council on Aging centers. They are mostly open on weekdays during business hours. Some sites in Libraries are open on Saturdays allowing volunteers who are not fully retired to participate. While your services are volunteered, the national program does provide reimbursement for travel mileage.
What is Tax-Aide’s relationship with AARP and the IRS?
Tax-Aide is sponsored through funds from the AARP Foundation, the Internal Revenue Service and through private donations. The AARP Foundation, with cooperation of the IRS, administers and oversees the national program through which the states and territories assume responsibility to organize, lead and promote the Tax-Aide program.
What kind of impact do volunteers have through their work with Tax-Aide?
Every year, Tax-Aide helps low and moderate income individuals and families who must file their taxes save the fees and high interest rates associated with commercial preparers. In Vermont, about 180 Tax-Aide volunteers help almost 10,700 low and moderate income persons and families yearly. Many are filing a Federal or Vermont return merely to get a tax refund or a credit such as the Earned Income Credit, Renter Rebate, or Homestead Declaration/Property Tax Adjustment.
How can a volunteer be sure that he/she is not liable for a possible error on someone’s tax return?
Tax-Aide volunteers are covered under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 (S.543) which provides that certified Tax-Aide volunteers are not liable for harm caused by and act or omission if they’re acting within the scope of their responsibilities and the harm was not willful.
What taxpayers are served by Tax-Aide?
Tax-Aide aims to serve low and moderate-income taxpayers and families with special attention to taxpayers 60 years and older. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religious belief, gender or sexual orientation, or place of residence.
Do people who wish to volunteer with Tax-Aide need to have any specific skills and/or characteristics?
No, Tax-Aide welcomes all volunteers who wish to make an impact in their communities. Basic computer skills are required for Counselor and Leadership positions and most of our communications are through email or internet. We simplify the tax preparation process as much as possible in order to enable to learn how to prepare quality, accurate tax returns. Our training is designed to teach tax preparation using IRS provided computer software that simplifies the preparation process to create a user-friendly experience. Volunteers are also provided all of the necessary resources for more complicated returns or tax situations, including experienced on-site volunteers. To volunteer go to Sign Up Today!