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Tax-Aide program recruiting volunteers Monday Dec 4, 2017 at 3:27 PM Dec 4, 2017 at 3:27 PM By Tammy Asnicar for the Mail Tribune The Tax-Aide program is recruiting volunteers to prepare tax returns, perform electronic filing, and greet and screen clients for the 2018 tax season. Sponsored by the American Association of Retired Persons, the program needs up to 15 certified counselors to meet local demand, said David Argetsinger, district coordinator of the Rogue Valley-area program. In 2017, 50 aides prepared 2,800 tax returns for elderly and low- to moderate-income clients at eight sites in Jackson County. “Many mornings, clients were lined up as early as 5:30 a.m. waiting for the site to open at 9 a.m.,” recalled Argetsinger. He expects the demand for the free service will be as high or higher this tax season. His goal is to have a roster of 65 volunteers for the season that begins Feb. 1 and runs through April 17. While some volunteers prepare and file clients’ tax returns, others assist people with organizing required paperwork, provide Spanish translation and handle publicity for the program. Prior experience in preparing taxes is helpful, but not required because volunteers receive in-depth instruction. Prospective volunteers should be computer literate. The next training session begins Jan. 4 and will continue every Tuesday, Thursday and Friday until Jan. 25. Reference books and training materials are provided without charge. Classroom instruction includes an overview of the tax code and lessons in preparing state and federal tax returns. Attendance is required at all nine sessions, which will be held mornings at Rogue Valley Manor in the Skyline Plaza Building. Some homework is involved, too, said Argetsinger. By the end of the training, recruits will be adept at using the TaxSlayer computer program used to prepare and file returns. All counselors must complete and pass a three-part Internal Revenue Service exam which tests their skills in interviewing and preparing tax returns as well as their knowledge of ethical practices and procedures. Screeners and greeters are not required to pass the technical exam, but must pass the ethics portion of the test. After becoming certified as a counselor, volunteers are asked to work a minimum of two half-day shifts each week through the season. Counselors may volunteer to work as many days per week as they wish and at more than one site. Most sites operate half days, three to four times per week; operating hours may vary. Sites are located in Ashland, Talent, Phoenix, White City, east and west Medford, and Shady Cove. A site in Jacksonville may be opened if suitable equipment becomes available and adequate volunteers are certified. Volunteers receive travel reimbursement. The majority of the tax returns the counselors handle are “pretty straight-forward,” said Argetsinger. “The most complicated (returns) are those where seniors have traded stocks and bonds during the year.” Argetsinger, who has volunteered for 15 years, said he has found the experience rewarding and satisfying. “The clients are very appreciative,” he said. Assisting clients with what can be complex or complicated state and federal requirements is “a feel-good thing.” Fifty-nine percent of 2017 clients were older than 59, with an average adjusted gross income ranging from $19,400 to $28,200. Twenty-one percent qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit. Fifty volunteers donated more than 4,000 hours, which netted $2.7 million in tax refunds. Argetsinger says the work is beneficial to volunteers, as well. “You exercise your mind, which helps you stay young.” And “during the winter blahs, it’s a social outlet,” he added. “I like to keep busy until spring.” Early or independent training for the Tax-Aide program can be acquired through the IRS website (www.irs.gov). To volunteer or for additional information, call Ruth Ter Bush, course instructor, at 541-708-0663 or David Argetsinger at 541-776-2216. He can also be reached by email at [email protected]. — Reach Grants Pass freelance writer Tammy Asnicar at [email protected].