Newport Volunteers Prepare 1,800 Free Tax Returns for Seniors

Last tax season, a quiet army of 50 volunteers across Newport County made sure 1,800 families didn't leave money on the table when filing their taxes.

The AARP Tax Aide Program offers completely free tax preparation to low and moderate income taxpayers of any age. Volunteers work at 11 locations from Jamestown to Tiverton, including senior centers, libraries, and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center.

These aren't accountants doing pro bono work. They're college students, retirees, and everyone in between who learned tax preparation through free training provided by the program.

The same organization runs the Rhode Island State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which helped 1,660 Newport County residents navigate Medicare decisions in 2025. One-on-one counseling helped families and caregivers choose the right health coverage without getting lost in confusing jargon.

Now both programs need fresh volunteers to keep serving thousands of neighbors who need help most. They're looking for greeters, tax preparers, and Medicare counselors.

No experience required. The program provides computers, online training courses completed before Thanksgiving, and mentor support throughout. All volunteers earn IRS certification by January.

The Ripple Effect

When someone gets their full tax refund instead of leaving hundreds unclaimed, that money ripples through the local economy. It pays for prescriptions, school supplies, and car repairs that keep families stable.

When a senior understands their Medicare options instead of choosing blindly, they avoid costly coverage gaps that could drain their savings. These volunteers aren't just filing paperwork. They're preventing financial crises before they start.

The time commitment runs February through mid-April, with volunteers working two half-day shifts weekly during tax season. Orientation and Medicare training classes begin this fall.

Helen Lobecker and her team are ready to train anyone willing to learn, whether you're fresh out of college or enjoying retirement.

One email or phone call connects you with a mentor who'll walk you through everything: helen.aarptax@gmail.com or 401-682-0011.