Taxes can be a confusing and daunting task for anyone. But for those who can’t afford to hire the help they need due to disabilities, limited English skills, age, and/or low income, paying taxes properly can become nearly impossible. That is why the IRS is looking for volunteers to provide free tax preparation for those who need help but can’t afford it. Read on to see why you might want to consider being a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) or TCE (Tax Counseling for the Elderly) volunteer!
- Not a tax expert yourself? No problem! No previous experience required. Volunteers are specially trained and may serve in a variety of roles. For example, if you are fluent in another language, you may want to help those who do not speak English.
- You may learn something new! Using training and materials, the IRS educates volunteers in many aspects of tax preparation to allow them to prepare basic individual income tax returns. Among these aspects are tax deductions and credits that benefit eligible taxpayers, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit and Credit for the Elderly.
- Short on time? The hours are flexible, and most volunteers serve about 3-5 hours per week between mid-January and tax day (April 15, 2014).
- Convenient volunteer sites are located throughout the nation in neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, shopping malls, and other locations. VITA and TCE sites offer free electronic filing for both federal and state tax returns.
- Veteran and non-veteran volunteers may be able to help military personnel and their families.
- You can make a difference! The VITA and TCE have been helping people at no cost for more than four decades. It’s people helping people. It’s that simple.
Additional information about becoming a VITA or TCE volunteer is available on IRS.gov. Type the key words “tax volunteer” in the search box. Those interested need to submit Form 14310, VITA/TCE Volunteer Sign Up, by email through the IRS website.
