Contributed by Marie Dryden
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is now recruiting for volunteers for the 2022 season. Free tax preparation is an important boost for individuals and families in Alaska working to improve their financial stability. Sometimes a higher refund means keeping the heat on or helping with rent for our most vulnerable residents.
Becoming a volunteer tax preparer is easier than you think. No prior tax experience is necessary, and all the training materials are provided. Volunteers should enjoy talking to people and feel comfortable asking questions, have basic computer literacy, and be willing to refer to resource materials for tax law. Training is free and starts in December. You will use your own computer for training and, once you are certified, AARP will issue you a laptop for tax preparation. Bi-lingual volunteers are needed.
Tax-aide sites are located in several communities around the state and the volunteer hours are flexible. Due to the COVID-19, new models of delivering service to taxpayers are being created and more details will be released by the end of the year.
If you have questions about becoming a volunteer, please call 907-631-1456 or send an email to alaskataxaide@gmail.com. Visit aarp.org/taxaide to learn more about the program or fill out a volunteer application.
Thank you for making a difference!
Marie Dryden, Mat-Su District Coordinator
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program