Counselor with AARP Tax-Aide

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Program: AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides free personal income tax return preparation services to low- and moderate-income taxpayers, with special attention to those age 50 and older.

Purpose of Position: Counselors, under the direction of the Local Coordinator or Shift Coordinator, provide tax assistance and preparation service to taxpayers.

Responsibilities of Position: In accordance with the policies and procedures of the AARP Foundation and the Policy Manual, the Counselor:

• Prepares federal and state and local (if applicable) tax returns and/or answers questions to the extent of his/her current tax training and certification at assigned tax assistance sites.
• Prepares federal and state and local (if applicable) tax returns and/or answers questions to the extent of his/her current tax training and certification at assigned tax assistance sites.
• Adheres to program policies and procedures as outlined in the Policy and Procedures Manual available on the Portal.
• Adheres to site schedules and guidelines.
• Promotes and supports the program through word-of-mouth and wears an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide name badge while serving at a site.
• Records assistance given and Quality Reviews completed as directed by the Local Coordinator.

Training and Qualifications: Counselors must be certified as described in the Policy and Procedures Manal prior to providing tax assistance and must sign the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct (IRS Form 13615).
Counselors acquire tax knowledge through attendance at Counselor class or self-study. Counselors must also be trained in program policy and how to properly record assistance given on the activity log.

Appointment and Supervision: Counselors are appointed annually. They are assigned to sites by the District or Local Coordinator after IRS certification and program policy and administrative training sessions are completed. Counselors report directly to the Local or Shift Coordinator and do not supervise other volunteers. Experienced Counselors may be assigned to mentor new Counselors.

Eligibility: Counselors are eligible for other AARP or AARP Foundation volunteer positions.

Time Required: Typically, Counselors are required to volunteer at least an average of four hours a week during the tax season, usually from February 1 to April 15, plus 16 to 36 or more hours of training in December or January.