Volunteers needed to provide tax help
Last year, in Alaska more than 200 Alaska residents gave back to their communities as volunteers who provided free tax services by preparing more than 14,000 federal and state individual income tax returns through the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs.
“The IRS and its partners are once again looking for volunteers who are interested in taking a little time to learn about taxes and then helping others by preparing federal income tax returns for free,” said David Tucker II, IRS spokesman. “Volunteers are certified to prepare simple tax returns for people whose incomes are $50,000 or less. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to volunteer. There is a role for anyone who is interested and wants to help.”
Anyone can be a volunteer and bilingual volunteers are particularly needed. Volunteers can help in three separate capacities:
• Return Preparer
• Site Coordinator (Site Supervisor or Site Manager)
• Greeter
Site coordinators (supervisors) may also prepare returns. Greeters will generally also answer simple questions and distribute forms. Volunteers will be provided with free training materials on how to prepare basic individual income tax returns and, in most cases, how to file them electronically. Instruction will cover both federal and state tax returns.
Training is usually held between December and January and volunteers generally study online with Link & Learn Taxes to obtain their volunteer certification. The Link & Learn program is an interactive course that teaches all of the basics needed to prepare simple income tax returns accurately for individuals. Classroom training may also be available. Once certified, volunteers spend as little as four hours per week volunteering between the months of February and April.
To volunteer, send an e-mail to taxvolunteer@irs.gov or please contact any Alaska Tax-Aide at janwatson2000@yahoo.com
Information about the IRS volunteer tax preparation programs is available at www.IRS.gov, keywords Tax Volunteer.