Info for All Volunteers

General Information for Volunteers

Liability Protection 

Volunteers are not liable for the returns they prepare as long as they have adhered to the Tax-Aide program's guidelines, i.e. that they have only done what they have been taught in training. 

The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 states:

• • Certified volunteers are not liable for harm caused by an act or omission if they were acting within the scope of their responsibilities and the harm was not willful.

This is why knowing and understanding the scope of the services we can provide is so important. See a summary of the kinds of returns we can and cannot do.

Gifts

Volunteers may not accept any gifts or payment for services they provide -- unless they can eat it in one big or two small bites! 

Travel Expense Reimbursement

Certified volunteers with an AARP Volunteer ID number, and who have worked a minimum of 40 hours during the tax season, are eligible for reimbursement of their travel expenses. This may be done by a request for a flat fee of $50.00, or an itemized mileage claim (including mileage for training classes) may be requested, with prior approval of the District Coordinator. The Local Coordinators will explain the process.

Changes in Contact Data

Volunteers with any change in contact data (email, phone, mailing address) should update their own record in the AARP Volunteer Portal. If you run into problems, your Local Coordinator should be able to help you.