Help Low-Income Community Members File Taxes: No Math Skills Necessary!

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The Genesis Center is recruiting volunteers for The Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA offers free tax filing to individuals and families earning $55,000 or less annually.

Interested? Don’t know that much about taxes? Don’t worry - you’ll receive IRS specialized certification training, at no cost to you.

You're Protected: By the Volunteer Protection Act (VPA)

Boost the resume: This is THE training you need to prepare taxes.

You choose: there are volunteer roles that do not require tax prep certification. The training is free, the hours and time commitment are flexible.

Volunteer roles are needed in the following areas:

Tax Preparers: Makes sure that taxpayer’s Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet is properly completed based on information the taxpayer provides and asks follow-up questions to clarify any unclear circumstances when necessary. Put initials on the Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet so the quality reviewer knows who prepared the tax return in case the quality reviewer has questions or needs to clarify things on the return. Ensures that all reportable income is reported on the taxpayer’s return(s) and that all allowable/eligible deductions and credits are claimed for the taxpayer. Prepares accurate federal and state tax returns for qualified taxpayers only based on information
provided by the taxpayers. Prepares only tax returns within the scope of training and certification level(s). Answers basic tax-related questions and refers taxpayers who have complex (out of VITA’s
scope) tax returns to the appropriate organizations or offices. Backs-up the taxpayer’s information into the appropriate device, places the device along with taxpayer’s identifications and information in the VITA envelope, and places the envelope in the designated bin for quality review. Maintains confidentiality of taxpayer information.

Training:
Required to pass the online IRS certification(s) at least at the Basic level. Intermediate and
Advanced levels are recommended. Help with this is available!!!


Greeters: Greeters welcome tax filers to the VITA site during the tax season. They are responsible for ensuring that tax filers have all the information needed to complete their tax returns. No training required, but some VITA sites often provide a separate greeter training.

Training:

No training required, but some VITA sites often provide a separate greeter training.

Interpreter: Interpreters aid VITA clients by working alongside the tax clients and Tax Preparers. Volunteers who speak Cantonese, Farsi, Mandarin, Spanish, Russian and Vietnamese are always needed. No training required.

Training:

No training required

Screeners: Screeners are an integral part of running a successful VITA site. Screeners are responsible for assisting clients to complete the IRS intake sheet and ensuring the taxpayer has brought all necessary documents prior to having their tax returns prepared. It is recommended that each VITA site have designated screeners that feel comfortable with the process further ensuring a seamless experience for the client.

Training:

Classroom training or self-study through Link and Learn and a passing score of 80% on the exam. Certification levels are Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.