Marilyn Wall’s four decades of TaxAide Service
“In this world, nothing is certain except death and taxes.” — Benjamin Franklin, 1789
When approached about writing an article, I thought, “What wisdom do I have? And am I really an elder?” I guess, at age 78, I’m certainly not a “younger,” so here goes …
The above quote from Ben Franklin has been intertwined with my life for the past 44 years. The part about death, of course, is a factor from birth for all of us.
The part about taxes struck home for me in my 30s, when my family moved to Hood River. I was pregnant with our third child, and an elderly acquaintance approached me about volunteering with the AARP TaxAide program. I was no CPA, but I had an education background with solid math and some accounting courses. My interest was piqued. I had been doing our taxes, and it bothered me that so many folks had to pay to comply with the law.
This opportunity meant that I could help the befuddled folks, relieve the stress of tax returns, and save them money, in addition to keeping myself up to date with tax changes. I trained and got certified as a volunteer tax counselor in January 1981, and began volunteering that February.
Things were very different back then. I worked alone in a room at the Odell Methodist Church and took walk-ins. Our daughter played quietly in her playpen in the background. Returns were done in pencil with multiple carbon copies. Other TaxAide preparers were working at different sites around town.
The program has changed radically since then with the advent of the internet and laptops. The first year we were offered laptops, I resisted since I was comfortable and, I suppose, set in my ways. When I realized how much work the computer program automatically did, I jumped in. What a relief to no longer have to manually process the Social Security and Capital Gain Tax Worksheets. Those were a bear. Our motto was, “Read every line and do what it says!”
We’ve come a long way since those early days. The AARP TaxAide program involves about 28,000 volunteers nationwide and we accurately prepare and efile tax returns for nearly 1.7 million people each year. In the Gorge, we currently have about 18 volunteers, and we could use double that number.
Keeping up with tax law changes is a constant challenge. As I age, I now joke that being involved is my “Alzheimer’s deferral plan.” There’s no guarantee, of course, but it can’t hurt. So many aspects of this program have kept me involved over the years. Our sessions with clients involve several preparers together so we can always bounce questions off others. We are never alone with our preparation and a certified Quality Reviewer checks each return. The camaraderie of our volunteers is a huge plus. Most people think we’re nuts, but we really enjoy helping folks with their taxes.
The feedback from our clients also keeps us going. They are so grateful and they let us know it. What is a little thing to us is big to them.
Early in my 30s, I was roped into chairing a fundraiser for cystic fibrosis, a worthy cause. I had a wonderful committee and we engineered a successful auction in our small town of Wamic. The experience, however, was quite stressful for me and I vowed not to be inadvertently volunteered for things again. I learned to assess how I wanted to reach out and help and to be proactive about it.
We all have gifts and talents to share. I am so fortunate to have found my niche early. Tax season has continued to sustain me and keep my mind active through the years. I’ve learned so much and met so many folks who have become dear friends.
AARP TaxAide Locations
Hood River campus, Columbia Gorge Community College, Mondays 1-5 p.m.
Hood River Valley Adult Center, Thursdays 2-5 p.m.
The Dalles Mid Columbia Senior Center, Fridays 3-6 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. to noon
Appointments are required. Go to gorgetaxaide.simplybook.me or call 541-402-1239 for help with an appointment.
About the Author
In this installment of Through the Eyes of an Elder, Marilyn Wall shares her story. Marilyn has been volunteering as an AARP TaxAide for 44 years and is a longtime resident of Hood River.
“Through the Eyes of an Elder” is contributed monthly by the Aging in the Gorge Alliance. Its purpose is to enhance understanding and appreciation for Mid-Columbia’s older adults, their loved ones, and caregivers. Email suggestions for future columns to EyesofanElder@gmail.com.
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