VITA Tax Preparer

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Interested in learning new skills and giving back to your community? The 2019 tax season is right around the corner. Join the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and volunteer as a tax preparer! Help provide free tax assistance to people with low-to-moderate income, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, those with limited English proficiency, and others who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. Help individuals and families get their tax refunds, save money on tax preparation and filing fees, comply with tax filing laws, retain and build assets, and learn about financial literacy.

No experience necessary, all training is provided by EBALDC.

Responsibilities:

• Conduct intake interviews to fully understand taxpayer's tax situation and ensure the correct tax law is applied and all allowable credits are claimed
• Provide high-quality tax return preparation and answer tax-related questions for all taxpayers
• Assist taxpayers with electronically filing returns whenever possible
• Contact the site coordinator or IRS support hotline for assistance when necessary
• Provide information about other programs, such as food stamps, that taxpayers may be able to utilize (if applicable at your VITA site)
• Review completed returns for accuracy if certified to the Advanced level
• Ensure a copy of the completed tax return is provided to the taxpayer
• Encourage clients to save a portion of their refund in one of the available vehicles, for example a savings bond, a savings account, or a prepaid debit card
• maintain confidentiality of taxpayer information
• Ensure no compensation of any kind if accepted for volunteer services provided

Requirements:

• Pass Basic IRS certification test. Passing score on Advanced IRS certification test optional.
• Pass the Standard of Conduct and Intake/Interview & Quality Review certifications through Link and Learn
• Only prepare returns within your certification scope (i.e. only Advanced preparers can help clients with itemized deductions)
• Read all communications and updates on tax requirements or procedural changes
• Respect client privacy
• Maintain accurate records of assistance provided
• Give 24-hour cancellation notice when unable to volunteer at your site

Qualifications:

• Ability to volunteer at least 4 hours/week, totaling at least 30 hours from late January to mid-April 2019
• Strong verbal communication skills
• Good interpersonal skills and comfort with a wide range of people
• Computer skills for entering tax information (formal training will be provided)
• Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision
• Commitment to strengthening families by increasing self-sufficiency
• Basic tax knowledge a plus

If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out this form (http://bit.ly/2IcPYHt) or email us at volunteer@ebaldc.org.