Do you enjoy working with numbers and with people? Here's a chance to join the nation’s largest volunteer-run tax preparation and assistance service—the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program, in conjunction with the IRS—to help seniors, low-income, disabled, and other disadvantaged taxpayers at sites across the metro area.

Positions needed are Preparers/Counselors, Document Facilitators, and Technical Supporters. You don't need experience with accounting or tax preparation, and you don't need to be an AARP member. AARP supplies training, computers, IRS-approved software, and reference materials. Volunteers may be reimbursed for qualified program-related expenses.

Preparers/Counselors receive six days of free training the first two weeks of January (32 hours of tax law and software use). Volunteers who pass the test are certified by the IRS, Minnesota Department of Revenue, and AARP to help taxpayers with Federal and Minnesota state income and property tax refund returns. The certification guarantees preparer’s protection.

Document Facilitators greet clients and help them organize their required documents before meeting with the preparers. Facilitators receive a half-day training in January.

Technical Supporters manage computer equipment, ensure taxpayer data security, and provide technical assistance to volunteers. No training is needed, but an AARP tax-aide supervisor will interview potential tech support specialists.

Working activity begins in February. You may attend a site in your home area. The commitment is for a weekly 3- to 4-hour shift for 10 weeks (consideration given for special circumstances that prevent this schedule). Shifts are mornings and afternoons Monday through Saturday.

Online application is required by December 1 for preparers and by January 1 for facilitators. An AARP district tax-aide supervisor will interview you by phone. For further application information, contact University Retirees Volunteer Center at 612-625-8016 or [email protected].

--Alan Kagan, URVC Coordinator