By BECKY KISER
Hays Post
Tax filing season is still months away, but volunteers are now being sought in Hays for the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program.
Chuck Henry, Kansas Foundation state coordinator in Manhattan, said Tax-Aide focuses on serving older adults with low to moderate incomes and helping them secure much-needed tax refunds.
The service is free. Although the focus is on elderly taxpayers, anyone is welcome to have their taxes prepared, and there are no income limitations.
Volunteers are being recruited in Hays to provide tax preparation and filing services and tech support. The site will be the Hays Public Library, 1205 Main.
"Volunteers are trained, and classes are generally held in December or January," Henry said. "The amount of training required depends on the position."
Volunteers are IRS-certified every year, so they understand the latest changes and additions to the tax code.
Several volunteer positions are available. They include an intake greeter who ensures the taxpayer's paperwork is in order. Another person prepares the tax return, which is then reviewed by a second, more knowledgeable volunteer to ensure its accuracy before it's filed.
At least three volunteers are needed at each site.
"Typically, an appointment at the AARP site will last an hour to 90 minutes," Henry said. "You'll get it prepared, reviewed, filed and a paper copy, and then you're on your way.
"Our Tax-Aide volunteers make sure they don't miss out on the credits and deductions they have earned and need."
Volunteers are able to prepare most federal and Kansas filing paperwork.
You don't necessarily need a financial background to be a Tax-Aide volunteer.
"All levels and types of experience are welcome," Henry said. "Volunteers come from a variety of job experiences and range from retirees to college students."
Anyone interested in volunteering should call Henry at 785-236-0382 or email him at [email protected].
Tax-Aide is funded by grants from the AARP Foundation and the IRS.
Last year, 27,771 volunteers at 3,600 sites across the country helped 1.7 million taxpayers receive $1.2 billion in tax refunds.
Since 1968, Tax-Aide has been the nation's largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program.