×

Tax aides sought

Volunteers needed for upcoming tax help program

The AARP Tax-Aide program is again seeking volunteers for its tax assistance program that kicks off next Feb. 1.

Gary Ellingson, volunteer coordinator of the AARP Tax-Aide program in Minot, said the program is seeking volunteers to provide the free tax assistance program to low- to moderate-income residents. The program also seeks volunteers to serve as client facilitators who greet clients and help ensure their materials are organized before directing them to an available tax aide.

Last year, volunteer tax aides helped more than 600 people, an increase of about 150 people from the previous year.

Ellingson said the program always is in need of more volunteers. The only qualifications are to be comfortable with numbers and computers and have an interest in working with people. Tax preparation training is provided.

Training classes can be taken online or are offered locally in a classroom setting over four or five days during the second week in January. The tax assistance service begins Feb. 1 and runs through April 14.

The tax headquarters in the American Legion on North Hill typically opens Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tax aides work with basic returns, often for people aged 60 and older, and all returns are filed electronically.

Volunteers can decide which days they are available to serve. The tax aides also work cooperatively so there’s always backup if a puzzling situation arises.

Anyone age 18 or older who is interested in the program can call Ellingson at 839-9632. Ellingson said he will meet with prospective volunteer tax preparers to show them the software and set them up with some online practice labs they can work with at home to determine whether being a tax aide is something they might enjoy doing. He also can set set up training for volunteers interested in the online option.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today