Tax-Aide SW Washington

Serving taxpayers in Clark and Skamania Counties, including the Vancouver Metropolitan area (Vancouver, Camas, Battle Ground, Hazel Dell, and Salmon Creek) and Cowlitz and Wahkiakum Counties, including the Longview/Kelso area

History of the AARP Tax-Aide Program
The AARP Tax-Aide program has grown steadily from four volunteers at one site in 1968 preparing 100 tax returns to become the nation's largest volunteer-run, free tax assistance and preparation service. In 2008 more than 32,000 volunteers prepared over 2.2 million federal income tax returns at more than 5,200 tax preparation sites. The program has been honored with the US President's Citation Award for Private Sector Initiatives.

SW Washington AARP Tax-Aide Program
The local Tax-Aide program was started by Heather Harmon and Harold Dishaw(dec) in the early 1970's. About 15 volunteers worked from 3 small sites to prepare tax returns for just the elderly. With the merging of two local IRS sponsored groups, Tax-Aide volunteers began providing service to all age levels several years ago.

Initially, all the returns were done by hand. Several years ago, two counselors (CT Thurston and Walt Glendening) started using computers to do the returns. Currently, almost all returns are prepared using computers and are e-filed. The local program has grown to about 80 volunteers at 17 sites in Clark and Cowlitz counties.

The AARP Tax-Aide Program Today
More information about the operation of the program can be found on the program operation page AARP Tax-Aide is successful because of the many volunteers who give freely of their time and expertise. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities within the AARP Tax-Aide program, and more volunteers are needed to expand this valuable program.

Tax-Aide Volunteers
Many of our volunteers stay with the program for many years because it is so challenging, rewarding, and simply enjoyable. During that period a volunteer may serve in several different roles. Some of these roles together with the provided training are described on the training page.

How to Volunteer

Complete the Volunteer Contact Form
Call the National AARP Tax-Aide office at 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669)
Contact Volunteer Connections/RSVP at 360-735-3683 in Clark County or Lower Columbia CAP at 360-425-3430 in Cowlitz County
Send an email to volunteer.wa1@comcast.net

A response will come within a week or two..

Tax-Aide is Administered by the AARP Foundation in Cooperation with the IRS
www.aarp.org/taxaide

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