Larry, thanks for the clarification and additional information. As I wrote, I've worked several years at a VITA site in Cape May County, NJ. One of those years I also worked at a local AARP site. A number of us worked at both sites. The training was the same and for all practical purposes the sites ran the same way. The VITA site had a higher percentage of non-retirement age clients, so it presented some different challenges. Your mention of calling your brother highlights one of the best parts of the program. As a preparer you have access to a large number of highly experienced preparers and verified tools to help as needed.
Thanks Ed. It will sound cliche and self-serving, but I do get a lot out of it. And the other volunteers are some of the smartest, kindest, and most caring people I have ever met.
Thanks Dick. TurboTax is much better at the Federal to State transtion. TaxSlayer requires a number of work arounds to manage the differences in the 2 tax codes.
I just heard from our site lead that 67 of the 76 taxpayers with an AGI under $10,000 were 65 or older. Most of the senior clients we serve have some SS benefits that are probably not taxed, so their total income could be larger than the $10,000 AGI would indicate. A single taxpayer with an average SS benefit of $24,000, and $10,000 of other taxable income (say IRA withdrawal), would have an AGI of $10,000, but none of their SS benefit would be taxable, and they would have no taxable income. Because of the new bonus senior deduction of $6,000, in 2025 a senior could have an AGI of $23,750 before owing any federal tax. Still a meager income for a retire in one of the more expensive parts of the country.
Olin, There are no fees. Every one is a volunteer and cannot accept any payment - with the exception of a few cookies or pastries that some clients thoughtfully donate. The IRS' Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site says it offers help to "People who generally make $69,000 or less". AARP and other sites where have worked do not discriminate. You also don't have to be a senior citizen or an AARP member. Most of the larger incomes I've seen were a "one-time" event. If a taxpayer has significant income a site lead may suggest to them that they were taking a slot from someone who really needs the help, and that they might consider a professional preparer.
Ed, terrific article - well thought out and well written. It sounds like you and your wife have built a strong margin of safety into your plan, which gives you the power to choose your options. Well done.
Comments
Thanks Marilyn.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 12, 2026
Larry, thanks for the clarification and additional information. As I wrote, I've worked several years at a VITA site in Cape May County, NJ. One of those years I also worked at a local AARP site. A number of us worked at both sites. The training was the same and for all practical purposes the sites ran the same way. The VITA site had a higher percentage of non-retirement age clients, so it presented some different challenges. Your mention of calling your brother highlights one of the best parts of the program. As a preparer you have access to a large number of highly experienced preparers and verified tools to help as needed.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 12, 2026
Dave, here is a link to the AARP TaxAide site.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026
Thanks Ed. It will sound cliche and self-serving, but I do get a lot out of it. And the other volunteers are some of the smartest, kindest, and most caring people I have ever met.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026
Thanks Dick. TurboTax is much better at the Federal to State transtion. TaxSlayer requires a number of work arounds to manage the differences in the 2 tax codes.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026
Thanks Dan. Even thought I've only worked in this location for 3 years, I am already getting to know some of the clients.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026
I just heard from our site lead that 67 of the 76 taxpayers with an AGI under $10,000 were 65 or older. Most of the senior clients we serve have some SS benefits that are probably not taxed, so their total income could be larger than the $10,000 AGI would indicate. A single taxpayer with an average SS benefit of $24,000, and $10,000 of other taxable income (say IRA withdrawal), would have an AGI of $10,000, but none of their SS benefit would be taxable, and they would have no taxable income. Because of the new bonus senior deduction of $6,000, in 2025 a senior could have an AGI of $23,750 before owing any federal tax. Still a meager income for a retire in one of the more expensive parts of the country.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026
Thanks Andrew.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026
Olin, There are no fees. Every one is a volunteer and cannot accept any payment - with the exception of a few cookies or pastries that some clients thoughtfully donate. The IRS' Voluntary Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site says it offers help to "People who generally make $69,000 or less". AARP and other sites where have worked do not discriminate. You also don't have to be a senior citizen or an AARP member. Most of the larger incomes I've seen were a "one-time" event. If a taxpayer has significant income a site lead may suggest to them that they were taking a slot from someone who really needs the help, and that they might consider a professional preparer.
Post: Tax Season Wrap up
Link to comment from May 11, 2026
Ed, terrific article - well thought out and well written. It sounds like you and your wife have built a strong margin of safety into your plan, which gives you the power to choose your options. Well done.
Post: Slow on the Draw
Link to comment from May 9, 2026