AARP forced to cut back on tax help

By ERIC SEIVERLING

eseiverling@yourmvi.com

Mon Valley residents who turn to their local library or senior center for help with tax returns may have to look elsewhere this year.

Following an influx of resignations last year, the AARP Foundation’s TaxAide volunteer program is faced with a shortage of volunteers. The organization has notified various libraries and senior centers that it won’t be able to provide help to residents with their 2020 tax returns.

Dean Rath, coordinator for the foundation’s Washington and western Westmoreland County District TaxAide Program, said reasons for the resignations range from health concerns to volunteers just wanting more free time.

“There were a number of people who cited health reasons, either their personal health or fear of COVID,” Rath said. “It’s pretty typical to have resignations. A lot of people who volunteer are retired, and as they get older their health deteriorates. They want to get on with the rest of their life.”

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