Since 1968, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide team of volunteers has provided tax assistance and preparation service to more than 75 million older taxpayers throughout the United States. For the past six years, UMRA member Andrew “Andy” Phelan has been part of that team. 

“You don’t have to be an accountant to do this,” says Phelan, who retired as an environmental manager in the University’s Department of Environmental Health & Safety. “Volunteers need to feel comfortable using computers and programs. They need to be detail oriented and analytical and to approach work systematically—skills most UMRA members have in spades!”

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers receive about 40 hours of classroom training and spend another 20 hours on two IRS-required training and certification tests. These training modules and certifications are done online, typically in January.

Volunteers are busiest during tax season, from February through April 15. Phelan volunteers two days a week, working on about eight tax returns per day for 10 weeks. However, the work is flexible enough to allow for a couple of weeks away.

Phelan appreciates the AARP support for volunteers, both online and in-person at each site. “I enjoy working with fine people, figuring out problems together. And I get to meet a range of clients—many lower-income folks and senior citizens,” he says. “It keeps my mind active more than other volunteer work.”

In addition to being an AARP tax-aide, Phelan volunteers with the University Retirees Volunteer Center providing office support and as a member of the URVC Leadership Council.

AARP is currently seeking volunteers to assist taxpayers in need of help. No previous experience is needed, and you do not need to be an AARP member to volunteer. Orientation for new tax-aide volunteers will be in mid-December, and training and certification will occur in January. 

Please email the URVC office or call 612-625-8016 if you are interested in volunteering for this or other opportunities to serve the community. 

—Peggy Mann Rinehart