AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers are trained to help you file a variety of income tax forms and schedules. In certain situations, however, our volunteers may be unable to provide assistance. The Volunteer Protection Act requires that our volunteers stay within the scope of tax law and policies set by the IRS and AARP Foundation. Here’s a guide to what our Tax-Aide volunteers can and can’t do:
- Self-employment if there are employees, losses, expenses that exceed $35,000, depreciation,
business use of home, 1099 filing requirements or other complicating factors. - Hobby income or other activities not for profit.
- Complicated capital gains/losses, such as futures or options.
- Complicated Schedule K-1.
- Rental income, except land-only rentals or rentals of personal residence less than 15 days.
- Royalty income with expenses if not from self-employment.
- Tax on a Child’s Investment and Other Unearned Income (Kiddie Tax).
- Farm income or expenses.
- Moving expenses.
- Some investment income or itemized deductions that are not included in our training.
- Alternative Minimum Tax, Additional Medicare Tax, or Net Investment Income Tax.
- Foreign financial asset reporting requirements.
- Any virtual currency investment or transaction.