Volunteers needed for Tax Counseling for the Elderly program

Care Connection for Aging Services is seeking volunteers for its Tax Counseling for the Elderly Program.

The program needs volunteers especially in Benton, Henry, Johnson, Lafayette and Pettis counties.

“This opportunity is perfect for someone who wants to help older adults in the community without committing to a long-term volunteer responsibility,” said Benefits Counselor Penny Humphrey, who operates the TCE Program for Care Connection. “We provide the support that the volunteers need to succeed in this extremely rewarding service.”

Volunteers need not be math geniuses to help; Care Connection provides all the training and software needed for volunteers to help seniors electronically file their state and federal income tax returns. Volunteers need basic computer skills.

The tax sites are in the senior centers; volunteer times are flexible but generally average five or more hours a week from February through April. Each site must have at least one tax preparer and one quality reviewer to ensure that tax returns are error free.

The TCE program enables older adults to receive refunds from their income taxes, and that money often helps pay for essential repairs on homes, medical expenses or other unbudgeted necessary items.

To learn more or to volunteer, call Humphrey at 1-800-748-7826.

Care Connection for Aging Services is a nonprofit area agency on aging serving people 60 and older in 13 West Central Missouri counties: Bates, Benton, Carroll, Cedar, Chariton, Henry, Hickory, Johnson, Lafayette, Pettis, Saline, St. Clair and Vernon. The mission is to provide opportunities to create positive aging experiences. For more information, visit www.goaging.org or visit 1-800-748-7826.