The nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service for low and moderate income taxpayers will return to the Vance County Senior Center for the 2012 tax season, and additional volunteers are need to help continue this valuable service. During the 2011 tax season, over 100 taxpayers in Vance County received assistance from trained volunteers with preparing and filing tax returns, all at no cost.
Lois Waugh, the Vance County Tax-Aide Local Coordinator says, “An IRS Taxpayer Usage Study reported that 90 percent of taxpayers have help doing their taxes, and that 63 percent pay a commercial tax preparer to help. We provide the same service at no charge, and focus on those over the age of 60.”
The Tax-Aide program, supported by the AARP Foundation, helps taxpayers navigate complex tax laws, and also provides valuable training and experience for volunteers. Tax Aide volunteers receive free training from IRS-certified instructors and pass a certification exam which allows them to prepare taxes, and then volunteer for one 4 hour daytime session per week during tax season, which lasts from February 1-April 15.
“The program benefits everyone,” says Juan Jefferson, Senior Center Manager. “The community receives a valuable service, and our volunteers receive free training and work experience that looks great on a resume. It is a complete win-win.”
Sherri Alston, Steps to Self-Sufficiency Instructor at N.C. Joblink/Department of Social Services agrees. “Volunteer experience speaks volumes, especially for those with a large gap in employment history. We encourage volunteer experience for all job hunters.”
An organizational meeting will be held for all potential volunteers at the Vance County Senior Center on Sept 26. Anyone interested is encouraged to contact the senior center at 430-0257 with any questions.