In my words…
“I became involved with TAP four years ago when I was an Andersen employee. All my previous volunteer experiences were doing things that improved the physical landscape of communities, such as helping to clear a forest preserve, or paint a building. With TAP, I first volunteered as a tax preparer, but was unsure whether I was capable of helping others prepare their taxes, and uncertain to what extent this service would impact their lives.”

TAP in action…
TAP’s success is the success of our volunteers. The majority of TAP volunteers do not have a finance background. TAP offers thorough training to equip volunteers with the skills necessary to prepare taxes and complete FAFSA forms accurately and confidently. Training sessions cover real scenarios and case studies so that volunteers gain practical experience. We also arm volunteers with reference manuals customized for our clients and our process, to supplement advice from our on-site tax experts and site leaders. And TAP makes training convenient—we offer sessions at different locations, days, and times to accommodate our volunteers’ valuable time. Trainings are fast-paced, concise, and offered before work, after work and during lunch hours.

Real Results...
Our volunteers generate tremendous impact easily measured in real dollars on the spot for our families. “I quickly learned how much money I could return to a hardworking, deserving family on my first Saturday, when I was partnered with an experienced volunteer. Together, we completed four returns. I was surprised to see the experienced volunteer track his progress for the day on the cover of his TAP materials. After completing a client’s returns, he would anonymously transcribe the amount of both the federal and state tax refund we received for the client. By noon that first Saturday, we had helped four families receive combined federal and state refunds of nearly $6,000. I adopted this process of quickly tracking the financial impact of my services and was shocked to realize my individual contribution to these families each week. I soon realized that the small amount of knowledge I possess about taxes could make a huge impact to others, and sharing this knowledge is the most meaningful way I could volunteer my time.”

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