Volunteers wanted for Tax-Aide program

Naperville Park District partners each year with AARP to offer area seniors free income tax preparation assistance at the Alfred Rubin Riverwalk Community Center between February and April.

Those interested in volunteering to help with the program are invited to investigate the AARP Foundation's Tax-Aide program that is co-sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service.

The park district's Rubin center will serve as a tax assistance location in 2017, with appointments available on Mondays and Wednesdays from early February through early April 2017. Taxpayers need not be members of AARP to take advantage of the services provided by the free program.

Volunteers become certified as tax preparation counselors by studying the IRS-prepared materials, learning to use the computer-based e-filing system and attending classes during the third week in January 2017. They must pass open-book tests annually in order to be certified as Tax-Aide preparers.

Visit www.aarp.org/taxaide for more information on becoming a 2017 Tax-Aide volunteer and to register for training classes. Those who need assistance navigating the website may call Phoebe Bickhaus, AARP coordinator for District 25, at (630) 357-7355.

After completing the required information online, prospective volunteers will be contacted by a representative from AARP who will provide details regarding the training class and will answer questions about the program.