Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
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1. What is VITA?
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a program that offers free tax preparation help to people with low- to moderate-incomes (about $49,000 and below). The average VITA client has an annual income of $21,000. VITA sites are operated by local community partners with support, training and supervision from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Returns are prepared and reviewed by IRS-certified volunteers using IRS-approved software.
2. Why are VITA sites important?
VITA sites are critical to helping our community because it provides a safe alternative to high-fee tax preparation and predatory lending in the form of expensive refund anticipation loans.
Many working families are eligible to receive valuable Earned Income Tax Credits and Child Tax Credits. These tax credits provide refunds that are critical for families trying to make ends meet. Most people use the money they receive from the tax credits and fee savings to help pay their bills and daily living expenses, as well as for investments in education and savings. VITA sites serve a variety of taxpayers, including those who earn minimum-wage, who are experiencing homelessness, are self-employed, military members or their families, the elderly, or people with disabilities.
3. How do VITA sites benefit the community?
VITA programs benefit not just individual taxpayers, but also the entire community in a variety of ways. VITA programs help more taxpayers receive all the tax benefits they are eligible for. A recent survey showed a 15% increase in the amount of EITC brought back to local communities by VITA programs across the nation. Other studies show that for every dollar returned to working families through other tax credits, $1.50 in economic activity is generated.
VITA increases tax compliance. Taxpayers with limited knowledge of the tax code, limited access to technology, and limited cash to pay for services often seek out VITA services. As a result, many VITA clients are first-time filers, who not only file returns for past years, but can be counted on to file in years to come.
4. How can I get involved?
We are looking for volunteer tax preparers now! Training and certification need to be completed before Tax Season. Sign up now!
5. How can I sign up to volunteer?
You can e-mail Jennifer Million, Income Associate or call her at 742-9077 ext 227 to sign up, or fill out the form here.
6. Do I have to take a test?
Tax preparers and reviewers must be certified by passing one or more IRS tests, ranging from basic to advanced with the option of military and international certifications also.
7. Tell me more about the VITA test.
Volunteer tax preparers must pass the Basic test. Intermediate and Advanced courses and tests are also available. (Intermediate certification is required.)
Reviewers must pass the Intermediate course or higher. (People with tax experience are not required to complete course work before taking the tests.)Volunteers have a total of two attempts to pass each test level.
8. What is the time commitment?
Training time: For tax preparers and reviewers, training and taking the test may take 14-18 hours. (Training is less intensive for people with previous tax experience.) Greeters can expect two to four hours of training.
Volunteering time: The amount of time you volunteer is based on your personal availability and commitment. There is no minimum time requirement for general volunteers. VITA sites are usually open from mid-January to mid-April. This year, we will have various VITA sites offered at Franciscan St. Elizabeth Health, Tippecanoe County Child Care and will also be providing a mobile site that will make various stop to different businesses and organizations.
9. I can't commit to volunteering the entire tax season, can I still help?
Yes! As a volunteer, you can choose the locations and hours that fit your schedule. February is our busiest month, but we need volunteers throughout tax season.
10. What skills are necessary to volunteer as a tax preparer or reviewer?
• Ability to learn about tax regulations and pass IRS test
• Ability to use a computer and tax preparation software
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with diverse groups of people
• Good attention to detail
• Ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality
*No Experience is required!!!!!*
11. Do I have to be an accounting major or have accounting background to volunteer?
No, anyone can volunteer! It's a great opportunity to learn about tax preparation and give back to the community!
12. Is the training free?
Yes! All of the training and training materials are free. United Way of Greater Lafayette offer the training in cooperation with the IRS. The IRS provides volunteers with the free training materials.
13. How is the training done?
VITA training is offered in a variety of ways including of self-study, online, telephone, and classroom training.
14. I'm nervous about helping people with their taxes. What if I make a mistake?
Experienced tax preparers are available at all times to help volunteers with questions. United Way VITA sites have a site coordinator. In addition, as part of our 100% Quality Review program (in accordance with IRS guidelines), all returns are reviewed by a second tax preparer before being filed.Finally, the IRS provides a toll-free VITA help hotline to provide volunteers with tax technical assistance.
15. Who can I talk to for more information?
You can e-mail Jennifer Million, Income Associate or call her at 742-9077 ext 227.
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