Needs From: United Way of Broome County

What is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program? The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a cooperative effort by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and many individual states to provide income tax assistance to low-income individuals.

Description: Provide FREE tax return preparation to persons with a low to limited income, persons with disabilities, the non-English speaking, and the elderly.

What is a VITA site? Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The sites prepare and e-file federal and state income tax forms for low-income families at no charge. Volunteers will be trained this winter to work at tax sites from January through April.

Do I have to be an experienced tax preparer to participate? No! Volunteer tax preparers participate in online training through the IRS Link & Learn. Here they will learn how to electronically prepare and file the necessary federal and state tax forms using TaxSlayer software. Volunteers will also greet clients and review their paperwork before they have their taxes prepared. This is a great way to expand your resume and help your community.

Training: Self learning through Link & Learn Taxes, as well as 4 classroom sessions. Must pass tax preparation certification exam at the advanced level and retain a copy.

Responsibilities:

Attend classroom training sessions, including the use of electronic filing software. Successfully pass a certification test on required tax law knowledge. Provide high-quality assistance to all taxpayers. Directly prepare taxpayer’s return based on information provided by taxpayer or answer tax related questions. Interview taxpayer to determine if all income, deductions, and allowable credits are claimed. Prepare and e-file Federal and New York State income tax returns. Prepare only those tax returns for which you are certified to prepare. Refer taxpayers with complex returns to the IRS walk-in office, website, or help number. Volunteers should never refer taxpayers to a specific practitioner or firm. Ensure no compensation of any kind is accepted for the volunteer services provided. Maintain confidentiality of taxpayer information. Ensure on-site quality review is performed on completed returns prior to taxpayer signature. Ensure a copy of the completed return is provided to the taxpayer.

Qualifications:

Basic tax knowledge (Form 1040). Basic tax training available online (classroom sessions will be provided when Spring semester resumes. Volunteers will be required to pass the advanced level certification. Basic computer skills for inputting tax return information. Pride in performing tasks completely and accurately. Ability to deal with public in a helpful and supportive manner, including interviewing skills. Friendly, dependable, and flexible.

Support Available:

Orientation, training, and on-site support will be provided. Technical support will also be available.

Who will I be helping? You will help individuals and families with earnings below $69,000 claim the tax credits they’re entitled to for the tax year. You can help boost a families annual income by up to 50%.