‘A rewarding way to give back’: Central Oregon’s AARP Foundation Tax Aide program seeking volunteers
Barney Lerten
BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Tax season may be months away, but Central Oregon’s AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program is already recruiting volunteers.
The fully volunteer-run program provides free tax assistance to older adults with low to moderate income at six locations across the region. In 2025 alone, the program served more than 2,300 individuals in Deschutes and Jefferson counties, returning nearly $2.3 million in tax refunds to local residents.
“This is a rewarding way to give back,” said Rebecca Von Stein, District Coordinator for Central Oregon Tax-Aide. “You don’t need to be an accountant, just someone who wants to help others and is comfortable preparing your own return or assisting friends and neighbors. We’ll provide all the training you need.”
Volunteer roles include:
Tax Preparers – Work directly with clients to prepare and file returns
Client Facilitators – Greet taxpayers and help with paperwork
Technology Assistants – Provide support for hardware setup and usage
Volunteers receive training in January to prepare for the February–April tax season. Most commit to about two half-day shifts per week, with flexible scheduling available to fit a variety of needs. Tax-Aide will return in 2026 with free tax assistance available at six community locations, including the Council on Aging of Central Oregon, COCC Campus – Cascades Hall, Latino Community Association, La Pine Senior Activity Center, Redmond NeighborImpact, and Warms Springs Community Action Center.
“Volunteers are the heart of this program,” Von Stein said. “With more people stepping up, we can serve even more Central Oregonians who rely on this service.”
Those interested can learn more and apply at aarpfoundation.org/TaxaideVolunteer or call 541-668-7634.
AARP Foundation
AARP Foundation works for and with vulnerable people over 50 to end senior poverty and reduce financial hardship by building economic opportunity. As a charitable affiliate of AARP, we serve AARP members and nonmembers alike. Through vigorous legal advocacy, evidence based solutions, and by strengthening supportive community connections, we foster resilience, advance equity and restore hope. To learn more, visit aarpfoundation.org or follow @AARPFoundation on social media.