The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is an IRS-sponsored program brought to the North Penn and Indian Valley communities through a partnership between the North Penn United Way and the Greater North Penn Collaborative for Health and Human Services. The VITA program pairs community volunteers with low to moderate income individuals and families in the area--families that cannot afford to lose part of their refund to tax preparation fees or refund anticipation loan interest. These individuals and families may also be eligible for major tax credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit (which can return up to $5,666 to a family with three qualifying children this tax season), and not know it. This can be a life-changing tax credit, but no family can claim it if they don't know about it. That's where VITA volunteers step in.
YOU can be an indispensable part of the impact this year.
Just last year, volunteers helped return $535,000 to individuals and families in the North Penn and Indian Valley communities. Just under $3.5 million dollars was brought back to the Montgomery County last year thanks to VITA volunteer efforts.
We can't do this without you.
We are currently looking for volunteers to fill the follow positions. Perhaps you are interested in being a tax preparer, but that's not the only way you can be involved:
Site Coordinators These volunteers are tasked with overseeing their VITA site. Site Coordinators are responsible for ensuring that all patrons receive quality, free services and that all procedures are being followed correctly. They should be friendly, organized and comfortable dealing with volunteers, stakeholders, partners and the public in a helpful and supportive manner. Site coordinators will also be trained and IRS-certified.
Interpreters Korean- and Spanish-speaking individuals.
Tax Preparers Volunteer Tax Preparers become IRS-certified to complete personal income tax returns for VITA clients. No experience necessary! Free training provided--it is self-paced and can be completed online.
Quality Reviewers Quality Reviewers become IRS-certified to complete and review personal income tax returns for VITA clients. These volunteers must be organized, have a great attention to detail and should have prior tax preparation experience either through VITA or work experience.
Greeters & Screeners These volunteers are responsible for surveying each taxpayer to ensure that they have proper documentation required to complete their tax return. Greeters & Screeners should be friendly and have the ability to communicate well with others.
Budget Coaches Budget Coaches offer VITA clients information on how to build a budget, money management and how to utilize other financial resources in the community. Free training is provided.
If you think one of these positions sounds like something you would enjoy, please consider volunteering for one 4-hour session per week during this 13-week tax season (January-April 2011). No previous math or accounting experience is necessary and all training will be provided. Liability coverage under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 will apply.
For more information or to volunteer, send an email to Christa, c.detweiler@volunteermontco.org, or call 215-855-3319.
Play a part in improving the financial stability of families and increasing awareness of resources in your community! You can make a real difference this tax season.
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