Whether it’s uncovering tax credits or working in a role behind the scenes, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers work tirelessly to put much needed money back in our most at risk taxpayers’ pockets. The program is currently welcoming more volunteers to join in various roles.
Tax-Aide is the largest free tax preparation service in the U.S., dedicated to assisting taxpayers 50-plus who have low to moderate income. Since its start in 1968, the program has supported more than 80 million individuals. In 2024 alone, nearly 28,000 Tax-Aide volunteers assisted over 1.6 million taxpayers, helping secure refunds exceeding $1.2 billion. With approximately 3,600 locations nationwide—conveniently set in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, and community and senior centers—Tax-Aide aims to be accessible to all. These dedicated volunteers offer peace of mind, ensuring taxes are filed accurately so clients avoid overpayments and receive the credits and refunds they’re entitled to.
“If you hang around this program long enough, one of the things you’ll hear is the greatest gift we can give a taxpayer is a complete and accurate return,” says Tax-Aide volunteer Pam Holcombe. “It makes sure they don’t pay any more taxes than they have to. It makes sure they get any credits that are due to them by law. And it keeps them from getting a ‘nasty-gram’ from the IRS—and who wants a letter from the IRS?”
A High-Impact Volunteer Opportunity
The impact of Tax-Aide volunteers is undeniable. Volunteer Chuck Raeder recalls a client bursting into tears and thanking him for helping her secure a $4.00 refund. Jocelyn Garcia, another Tax-Aide volunteer, provides a sympathetic ear to clients who are going through difficult times as she assists with their tax returns. And volunteer Harvey Grassian once helped an 83-year-old retired music teacher correct an IRS mistake that had cost her $10,000.
“I love this program. It allows me to use skills that I had in my paid career. It takes up my time. Too much of it, my wife will tell you,” Grassian jokes. “And the gratitude that I get from the taxpayers for helping them out: doing it for free, maybe increasing their refund, when I get lucky. It makes it all worthwhile.”
Another aspect volunteers love about the program is the social connection it fosters. Tax-Aide volunteers meet people from all walks of life and often form lasting friendships. Bobbi Griffith, a Tax-Aide volunteer, enjoys connecting with people from across the country through her committee work. “We all come together with one purpose, and that’s to serve the taxpayer and doing something kind for somebody. And a lot of people get a lot of joy out of it,” she says.
Something for Everyone
Best of all, Tax-Aide volunteers don’t need to be financial experts or tax professionals—there are roles for everyone. Tax counselors assist with preparing returns, finding earned credits and deductions, and filing tax returns. Client facilitators greet taxpayers, help them organize paperwork, and manage the service flow. The program also offers roles in leadership, administration, communications, bilingual support, and more. Volunteers receive all the training and support needed to feel confident and successful in their roles.
“Volunteering with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is a just a tremendous way of giving back to the community. It has a tremendous impact, and I will say in a short amount of time,” says Tax-Aide volunteer Dedric Simmons.
For more information about how to volunteer with AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, visit aarpfoundation.org/taxaidevolunteer.