How To Volunteer

AARP Tax-Aide volunteers provide an important resource for those who need help preparing their tax returns.  Our clients are often seniors with low income and are very appreciative of our service.  You will feel good about the contribution you make to them.

Three volunteer positions are open to new volunteers:

Tax Counselors prepare Federal and California tax returns for our clients.  Tax counselors must be IRS certified.  This requires self study, attending a one week training class in mid-January, and passing an IRS certification examination.  The intensive training is sponsored by the IRS and the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation and is free of charge to volunteers.  Preparation of returns begins the first week of February and lasts through mid-April.

Schedulers answer the telephone and schedule tax preparation appointments for our clients.  Schedulers work at home on their own computers and schedule appointments for most sites.  There is a half-day of training and volunteers are expected to be available either some mornings (9:00 AM to 12:30 PM) or some afternoons (12:30 PM to 4:00 PM) beginning in late January through early April.

Client Facilitators, also known as “Greeters,” meet the clients when they arrive at the tax-preparation site.  They help the clients fill out the necessary paperwork, assure the clients have all needed documents with them, and generally help the logistics of running the site.

Click here to view testimonials from AARP Tax-Aide volunteers in San Luis Obispo County.

To volunteer, you must apply through the AARP Tax-Aide Foundation.  Click here to display the instructions on how to volunteer on the AARP Tax-Aide site.