United Way Seeking Tax Preparation Volunteers

From Jill Davoll at the Middlesex United Way

Here’s a way to make a difference at tax time – volunteer to become a tax preparer and you can help working families get back the money they’ve earned. Free tax preparation services are available during the tax season through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) to ensure that working families and individuals are filing for the tax credits they have earned. It can also help people save up to $150 in tax preparation fees.

The program is looking for volunteers at the VITA sites that will be located in Middletown to provide free basic tax preparation for eligible taxpayers from January 21 – April 10, 2010. Volunteers should be available to help 2-4 hours per week, during the evening or on Saturdays during this time period.

Volunteers must complete a training and will be certified by the IRS. The training will be held from January 4-14, 2010 in the evening. Volunteers are trained to let filers know if they qualify for additional tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit. Anyone with an income below $50,000 is eligible to make an appointment for this free service.

Volunteer qualifications are:

• Basic computer skills for inputting tax return information.
• Knowledge of the most elementary tax forms in helpful. Basic tax training and certification will be provided. No accounting experience necessary.
• Ability to deal with the public in a helpful and supportive manner. Interviewing skills training is provided.
• Friendly, dependable, and flexible.

Volunteer tasks include:

• Attend basic and/or refresher tax law training and certification on January 4-14, 2010. Instruction on the use of tax preparation and electronic filing software is included.
• Successfully pass a test on required tax law knowledge. Online practice sessions available as preparation.
• Interview clients to determine that all income, deductions, and allowable credits are claimed.
• Enter information in the computer software program. All the math calculations are done by the software.
• Maintain confidentiality of all client information.

To sign up as a volunteer contact Mimi Rich, (860) 347-1829 / cmrich2500@sbcglobal.net or Cathy Boone, (860) 347-9780 / rboone@snet.net.