I would like to express my appreciation to the almost 300 Mainers who volunteered for AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program this year.

During the last 12 weeks of tax season, the Tax-Aide volunteers helped more than 20,000 Mainers file their tax returns and answered questions for many others.

In addition to IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, the team includes appointment schedulers and client greeters. Working together, they make the entire tax filing process run seamlessly.

The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is the nation’s largest free, volunteer-run tax preparation service. Since 1968, more than 50 million low- to middle-income individuals across the country have had their taxes successfully prepared through Tax-Aide. The program is sponsored jointly by AARP and the Internal Revenue Service.

Tax-Aide volunteers say the program is one of the most interesting and rewarding volunteer opportunities they’ve ever experienced. They know they are helping others and really making a difference. They also enjoy learning a new skill.

Operating from more than 80 senior centers, public libraries and other community sites, the Maine volunteers did an extraordinary job.

Joan Jagolinzer, district coordinator

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide