AARP TaxAide is looking for Volunteer Tax Counselors for the 2018 tax season. This is a free program that makes it easier for older, low and middle-income taxpayers to file their tax returns.
Local volunteers from Seabrook Island, Kiawah and the Charleston area train as Tax Counselors for the five Charleston sites. Last tax season they assisted more than 1,000 of our neighbors.
Volunteers of all backgrounds and ages are welcome and you do not need to be an AARP member to volunteer, nor do you need to be a retiree. Familiarity with income tax returns is helpful and the availability of a laptop computer is useful but not required.
A two-day orientation will be held in mid-December, and a four-day IRS qualified training program will be held at the Ashley River Baptist Church on Savannah Highway in mid-January, 2018. Tax counselors receive extensive free tax training and become certified by passing the IRS exam. There will also be additional training in computer tax preparation.
Counselors will help customers one-on-one at tax sites. Most Seabrookers help out at the Maybank Public Library, but others are at the James Island Senior Center, Main Library downtown, etc. They are expected to be available for at least 4 hours per week during the February 1 to April 18, 2018 tax season. It’s a great way to learn new skills, assist in helping others, and become more involved in your community.
Please consider joining the team! Contact the Coordinator, Susan Ditterline, at 843-568-0305, or email sditterline@yahoo.com for more information.
-Tidelines Editor