Tewksbury Senior Center Seeks Volunteers To Help With Tax Preparation

Know something about computers and software and looking for an opportunity to give back? The Tewksbury Senior Center is seeking volunteers to help prepare tax returns at area centers as part of the AARP’s Tax-Aide program.

The free program, now 50 years young, runs nationwide and is aimed at people 50 and older and those with low to moderate incomes, but Tax-Aide is open to anyone who needs assistance. The group’s 3,600 volunteers are certified by the IRS and helped clients receive more than $1 billion in income tax refunds in 2021.

How it works: The program provides volunteers with training classes on Federal and Massachusetts tax laws and the IRS computer program that its team uses to prepare returns. Previous experience with preparing personal or family tax returns is helpful, but not essential.

Interested individuals may apply here, on the AARP website. If you have questions or problems applying, you’re invited to contact the Tewksbury Senior Center at 978-640-4480 or 978-866-2464.

Note that the AARP Foundation say its Tax-Aide volunteers can help with most but not all tax returns. For example, if you are eligible and did not receive all or part of a stimulus payment to which you are entitled, they can help you get a tax credit for the amount you’re owed. You can also get help with earned income tax credits, childcare credits, estimated taxes and more. Those with complicated returns, such as a small business with employees or someone who collects rental income, will likely need a paid preparer.

Not into taxes? The Tewksbury Senior Center went back to regular hours on July 1 and says that those who were volunteering before the pandemic will be contacted soon to see if they wish to resume. The center has a wide variety of volunteer opportunities available; interested residents may come into the center and ask for an application at the front desk.

More from the Senior Center: Today (August 10) the regular Tuesday blood pressure clinic will be held from 11:00 a.m. to noon, followed by weekly Bingo at 12:45. The Men’s Group meets on Thursday at 9 a.m.