Hey Uncle Sam, AARP Volunteers Aren't Scared of Your Tax Deadlines

Tax time can drive even the most sane person a little batty.

That could be why volunteers for the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program expect to be booked solid through April 9 with appointments for tax assistance. The tax filing deadline is April 15.

And, do you think people are grateful?

"Oh, yes," Dave Van Gorp, 78, of Marion, said while waiting for his next of 11 appointments one day at the Old Marion Carnegie Library, at 13th Street and 7th Avenue. 

That is one of several locations in the area. They also use space at locations in Cedar Rapids, Hiawatha, Muscatine, Tipton and Iowa City. Help is by appointment only. You can call 319-739-4211 or 211 to schedule a visit.

They will 2,000 people a year file taxes in the Cedar Rapids area, said another volunteer Harold Cramer, 77, of Marion.

The tax aid program offers free help with filing taxes, and is geared to low income and elderly people. Vangorp has been volunteering for 10 years. Some of his peers have been helping for 30 years, he said.

Van Gorp and other volunteers take annual training to stay up to date on the tax code and the latest methods for e-filing. They will pass on more complicated tax forms, such as for businesses.

"I am just interested in doing taxes and helping people," Van Gorp said.