Opinions

Want to make a difference this season? Volunteer with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide

Each year, April 15 is widely met with feelings of pressure and anxiety. That's right, it's tax day. Some people sweat, many procrastinate -- and a few simply deny it. Luckily, there is a special group of well-trained volunteers who don't mind tax season at all. In fact, this group welcomes the months leading up to tax day and spends this time helping minimize the stress -- and maximize the returns -- of fellow Alaskans.

Anchorage's Free Tax Preparation Program has gained popularity in the past several years as more Alaskans use its services to get their taxes prepared and filed accurately and on time -- thanks in large part to AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, the free volunteer-run tax preparation service that provides the majority of the volunteer tax preparers. But, as the demand for assistance has grown, so has the demand for volunteers to make the program possible.

Here is where you come in. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide and United Way of Anchorage have begun recruiting volunteers to help prepare basic federal tax returns during the upcoming tax season. As a volunteer, you will help others file correctly and on time, ensuring they receive all eligible tax credits. This can do a lot more than earn families and individuals a little extra short-term money. Free tax preparation is an important boost for individuals and families working to improve their financial stability. Plus, a higher refund sometimes means another month of heat, rent or food for our most vulnerable residents.

During the last tax season, 50 well-trained tax preparers filed federal tax returns for over 3,800 Anchorage residents at no charge to the taxpayer. With an average tax preparation fee running approximately $200, this service saved Anchorage residents an estimated $760,000 in tax prep fees and delivered $4.9 million in refunds to Anchorage families and our local economy.

Last year, due to the increased numbers of tax filers seeking help and a limited number of preparers, people were turned away or asked to return another day. With additional volunteers, we hope to meet the demand this year. But we need your help to make this happen.

Becoming a volunteer tax preparer is easier than you think. No prior tax experience is necessary and all training and materials are provided. Volunteers do need some computer knowledge, must have an e-mail address and have time to attend classes. Then they're asked to volunteer at one of seven sites open throughout Anchorage during the tax season, which runs Jan. 31-April 15. There are additional statewide sites in Fairbanks, Mat-Su Valley, Kenai Peninsula and Southeast Alaska, as well. Schedules are flexible, and volunteers can choose whichever day and site works best. Different sites have different hours and days to accommodate any schedule.

Training for volunteers in Anchorage starts Dec. 18. Online, self-study options are also available for part of the course. Volunteers finish training with a new skill, new connections and a deep feeling of satisfaction from helping fellow Alaskans through the often-stressful tax filing experience.

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If you or someone you know has the time and interest to become a volunteer tax preparer, please visit http://freetaxprepanc for more information or www.AARP.org/taxaide to sign up. Together, we can make a difference.

Larry Rundquist is Alaska coordinator for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide. Maureen Haggblom is income impact director for United Way of Anchorage.

The views expressed here are the writer's own and are not necessarily endorsed by Alaska Dispatch News, which welcomes a broad range of viewpoints. To submit a piece for consideration, email commentary@alaskadispatch.com.

Larry Rundquist

Larry Rundquist is state coordinator for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide.

Maureen Haggblom

Maureen Haggblom is income impact director for the United Way of Anchorage.

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