Tax-Aide Volunteering Q&A

The following Q&A may be helpful if you’re considering becoming a Tax-Aide volunteer. While not all of your questions may be answered, it is intended to provide a quick overview of the most commonly asked questions and give a flavor of what your volunteer experience would he like.

Q: Why should I consider volunteering with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide?

A: Volunteering with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is a fulfilling way to give back to the community. It offers an opportunity to use your skills in a meaningful way, helping individuals and families maximize their tax benefits and improve their financial well-being.

Q: What qualifications do I need to volunteer?

A: We welcome volunteers from diverse backgrounds. While a technical or financial background is helpful, it’s not required. Training is provided, covering everything from tax law to the software used to prepare electronically filed tax returns. Enthusiasm for helping others and a willingness to learn are the most important qualifications.

Q: What volunteer roles are available?

A: Several different volunteer positions are available, including:

• Being a Client Facilitator (who greets taxpayers and helps to fill out the interview/intake form)
• Counselor (who assists with preparation of the income tax return)
• Technology Coordinator (who helps with computers and software)
• Local Coordinator (who helps run the tax preparation site).

Q: How much time is involved?

A: Generally speaking, tax counselors and client facilitators are expected to volunteer eight hours per week during the filing season between February and April. Hours for others, like technology and communications coordinators, vary. Time spent on training varies, depending on a volunteer’s experience, from about fifteen hours to fifty during the fourth quarter of the year and in January.

Q: Will I be trained?

A: Yes, extensive training is provided for every role as well as follow-on support.

Q: Do volunteers get paid? 

A: No volunteer receives monetary compensation for their time. Our rewards are the reasons people volunteer, see below.

Q: Where do volunteers do their work?

A: We volunteer serve in different places, depending on roles. Tax counselors and client facilitators volunteer in places like public libraries and senior and community centers. Technology Coordinators also volunteer where equipment is used and stored. Some experienced tax counselors may work from home.

Q: How do I get certified?

A: Certification lets tax counselors feel confident that you know how to help taxpayers or other volunteers, as expected in your role.

You get certified by passing Internal Revenue Service (IRS) tests and meeting Tax-Aide requirements, which vary by role. Every Tax-Aide volunteer must annually complete the IRS volunteer standards of conduct (VSOC) training and must complete the Tax-Aide policies and procedures training.  Volunteers who assist in tax preparation must pass the IRS tax law test.

Appropriate training is provided and required for Tax-Aide roles other than counselors.

A: Why do people volunteer?

A: There is a unique joy in helping others with your special skills and kindness. Volunteers enjoy meeting people, being part of a large group of people who truly care about their communities. We have fun knowing we help make a difference on someone’s financial well-being.

Q: Is volunteering fun?

A: Yes! We love what we do. Our fellow volunteers are great team members and we enjoy being with them.

Q: When does volunteering begin and end?

A: Training takes place in December and January and weekly commitments start on Feb. 1 through the tax filing deadline, about April 15.

Q: How can my technical or financial background benefit the program?

A: Your technical skills can help with troubleshooting software issues or improving our digital tools, while your financial expertise can enhance our ability to provide accurate and insightful tax assistance. Your background can also help mentor and train new volunteers.

Q: Can I volunteer if I am not an AARP member?

A: Absolutely. While AARP members are welcome, you do not need to be a member to volunteer with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. All passionate individuals are encouraged to apply.

Q: Are there opportunities for volunteers beyond tax season?

A: Yes, there are opportunities for training, community outreach, and helping with off-season program planning. Staying involved throughout the year can enhance your experience and impact.

Q: How do I sign up to be a Tax-Aide volunteer?

A: To become a volunteer, you will need to register on the Tax-Aide site by creating a login user name and password. You do not need to be a member of AARP to become a volunteer.

Other Ways To Get Involved

Client Facilitators

Client Facilitators welcome taxpayers, help organize their paperwork, and manage the overall flow of service.

Technology Coordinators

Technology Coordinators manage computer equipment, ensure taxpayer data is secure, and provide technical assistance to volunteers.

Leadership & Administrative

Leadership and Administrative volunteers make sure program operations run smoothly, manage volunteers, and maintain quality controls.

Communications Coordinators

Communications Coordinators promote the program to prospective volunteers and taxpayers.