Tax filing season is months away, but the local AARP Foundation TaxAide program is already seeking volunteers to help provide free tax preparation service. 

Started by a small group of volunteers in 1968, TaxAide is now the nation’s largest free, volunteer-based tax assistance and preparation program. The service isn’t limited to any specific age or income range, but it’s focused on seniors with low to moderate income.   

In the United States during the 2024 filing season, over 27,700 volunteers at 3,600 TaxAide sites helped more than 1.6 million taxpayers file accurate returns. Those returns recovered tax refunds totaling $1.2 million-plus.

In Pierce County, 2,244 returns were filed by volunteers at eight sites located in Tacoma, Puyallup, Milton, Sumner, and Buckley, according to Linda Reiter, the local district coordinator for TaxAide. 

“Many people find tax time stressful, and I love that we make it easy to file a return for free.  With more volunteers, we can do even more,” Reiter said.

Information about how to volunteer in Pierce County is available from Point Defiance-Ruston Senior Center at 253-756-0601 or by e-mail at kgray@franketobeyjones.com.

Not all volunteers prepare tax returns.  Some serve as greeters who help keep the tax preparation sites running smoothly; others provide technical or administrative support, recruit more volunteers, or translate. Every position is important to the program, said Reiter, who has been an AARP volunteer for 13 years. She noted volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds, ranging from college students to retirees.  All levels of experience are welcome.   

Training is provided, but for tax preparers, being comfortable with computers is a plus.  Volunteer training is held in December and January for the upcoming tax filing season. The amount of training depends on the position. 

Tax preparation sites will open the first week of February next year and close at the end of the filing season, typically April 15.  Depending on the position and the time a volunteer can offer, the time commitment during training and the tax filing season ranges from a few hours to as many as 40 hours per week.