Tax season might reach a fervor in April, but it’s a year-round topic.
AARP Foundation Tax-Aide provides tax assistance free of charge, with a special focus on taxpayers over 50 and with low-to-moderate incomes. The program is free and does not require membership in AARP.
Some of these volunteers are right here in Sun City.
Nine trained volunteers prepared 2024 tax returns at the lower level of the Heartland Bank at 12101 Regency Pkwy, Huntley, IL. The volunteers had an average of eight years of tax preparation experience.
Bruce Porch, Sun City resident, and AARP Tax Site coordinator, said, “A trained counselor prepares the return with the client present. Then, the return is given a quality review by a second counselor. Only after the return has been reviewed and discussed with the client is it printed, signed, and e-filed. We provided e-filing of Illinois state returns, direct deposit, and direct debit. The whole process takes between one or two hours.”
The Huntley site prepared and e-filed 655 tax returns for the 2025 filing year. Eighty-five percent of those tax returns were for Sun City residents.
Porch said, “Five of our volunteer tax aids live in Sun City. The average age of our clients was 77 years. Ninety-four percent of the clients were on social security.”
As we gear up for the 2026 tax filing season, there is a need of dedicated volunteers for the e-Tax-Aide program. Volunteers are crucial to the mission.
Porch highlighted the core skills needed, including computer proficiency, accuracy, and basic tax law knowledge. Equally important are critical communication skills such as well as the ability to explain and listen, patience, respect for cultural differences, and confidentiality.
To join the team of dedicated volunteers and get scheduled for the tax training, the process is simple. Just visit the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Website and apply at aarp.org/volunteer/programs/tax-aide/. Porch said, “Your willingness to contribute your time and skills is a testament to the spirit of community service, and we look forward to welcoming you to our team.”
Appointments for 2025 taxes will the first week of February 2026. The Heartland site will prepare taxes on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until April 9.
Please contact Bruce Porch for more information on volunteering at bruceporch47@gmail.com.
