TaxAide, the group sponsored by AARP to assist people with their federal and state income tax returns, is looking for volunteers for the upcoming tax season. Some familiarity with tax    filing and computer use is helpful, but not mandatory, as training will be provided in both areas.
This is a great way to help others and to hone some skills. Training will be given during the week of January 11-15, 2009.
      TaxAide offers tax filing assistance at Bugbee Senior Center, Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock and the VA Medical Center in WRJ.
If you would like more information or to volunteer, call Steve Carter at (802)457-5141 or email him at:

      Starting February 1st, we will accept phone calls to make appointments for seniors who need assistance filing their uncomplicated Federal income tax returns, VT state income tax returns and rebate forms.
      When you meet with the tax assistance volunteer, you will need to bring:

1. A picture I.D. (driver's license, passport, etc.)
   
2. Social Security card or Social Security statement. (If you have dependents who receive social security payments, bring their documentation also.)
   
3. Copy of last year's tax returns.
   
4. Proof of all sources of income (W-2 forms if you were employed, 1099-R if you have a pension, 1099-SSA if you receive Social Security; interest and dividend income statements, IRA income, etc.)
   
5. Copy of your 2009-2010 property tax bill or signed landlord's certificate. If you are filing for Renter Rebate, Homeowner Property Tax Rebate or Act 68 School Property Tax Payment application, you will need to bring proof of income for everyone in your household.
   
6. Recent phone bill if filing for Lifeline telephone service credit.
   
7. Medicare Card if applying for Vpharm (a VT program that helps seniors and people with disabilities pay for prescription medications
   

     If you want to do challenging and rewarding volunteer work, become an advocate for a child in the Vermont court system. The mission of the program is "to ensure that every child in a VT court case has a well-trained, impartial and supervised volunteer Guardian Ad Litem."
      To be a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL), one should have:

• A willingness to learn and develop new skills;
  
• Common sense;
  
• Sound judgment;
  
• Concern for children at risk;
  
• Sensitivity to people of all ethnic, political, cultural and socio-economic backgrounds;
  
• The ability to be objective, non-judgmental and maintain strict confidentiality;
  
• The ability to relate well to children, families, attorneys and social workers;
  
• The ability to community effectively verbally and in writing, and
  
• A flexible schedule.