Peggie Johnson counsels James Love about AARP Tax-Aide services. Photo by Ben Mostyn/Wonderful Machine

Summary:
• AARP Tax-Aide helped about 65,000 Georgians file their IRS returns in 2008.
• The clients’ returns resulted in $20 million in refunds.
• New volunteers can apply beginning in October for more than 100 sites.

When she began work in the Internal Revenue Service’s collections division 30 years ago, Peggie Johnson knocked on hundreds of doors.

She soon noticed that most people who hadn’t filed their tax returns were in low-income households and didn’t know how.

“I quickly saw the need for volunteers,” said Johnson, who became an AARP Tax-Aide volunteer six years later while still working for the IRS.

Last year AARP Tax-Aide helped about 65,000 Georgians file their returns—and receive $20 million in refunds—part of almost 3 million filers served nationwide. AARP Georgia needs more volunteers so they won’t have to close or consolidate sites—as they did at four Atlanta sites last year—because of volunteer shortages. Volunteers can apply beginning in October.

Clients often show up at sites before the doors open, said Johnson, 74, from Lawrenceville. Some are surprised they are due refunds. Others can’t believe the service is free and try to pay.

“There’s a tremendous feeling of satisfaction when you help these people, most of whom really need it and really appreciate it,” she said.

Funded by the AARP Foundation and the Internal Revenue Service, the 41-year-old program draws volunteers from all walks of life: retired teachers, computer experts, tax specialists and people who have always done their own taxes. AARP membership is not required to use the service or volunteer for the program.

In January, weeklong classes in tax law and computer software will prepare potential volunteers to take an open-book test required for IRS certification. Those who pass are assigned to one or more of Georgia’s 134 sites—located in libraries, churches, senior citizen centers—from Feb. 1 to April 15. Volunteers are compensated for mileage.

Though volunteers don’t handle complicated returns, training is rigorous and the attrition rate high. Dick Cramer, state coordinator for Tax-Aide, said about 150 of the 400 people recruited annually in Georgia complete training.

Several volunteer positions don’t require the test. For instance, client facilitators like Johnson’s husband, Jack, simply interview people as they arrive to assess their needs and make sure they have the proper paperwork.

Even with new volunteers each year, the program is almost always understaffed, especially in neighborhoods serving predominantly minority and low-income clients.

Harold Joseph, district coordinator in southwest Atlanta, calls the need for volunteers in his area “acute.” A retired Clayton State University business professor, Joseph, 68, said experience in tax preparation is less important than a “willingness to learn and dedication to help.”

He recommends it to anyone looking both to help others and enrich their own lives.

“Everybody likes to think they’re giving back, and that’s part of it. Some people are so grateful they want to kiss your hand,” he said. “But I learned there’s a lot of valuable personal benefit from it. The socialization, doing things like you have to do at a business, keeping up with the technology. When you’ve finished the day and gotten seven or eight returns done, there’s a sense of pride and accomplishment.”

The AARP Foundation also offers online tax assistance year-round.

To volunteer, apply online or call 1-888-687-2277 toll-free.

Drew Jubera is a freelance writer living in Atlanta.