Volunteer for Tax Season

See post below from my friends at Hands On Central Texas…

Claim a Dollar, Make an Impact
 
With a little time from 400 volunteers, the Community Tax Centers will prepare 16,000 tax returns and bring over $20 million into the pockets of those who need it most in Travis County. 
 
What are the Community Tax Centers?
Community Tax Centers provide free income tax preparation services to Austin’s low-income families.  By helping people claim all of the tax credits for which they are eligible, volunteers can give many of the working poor in our community a chance to build a financial future.
 
 2004 VITA2005 CTC2006 CTC2007 CTC2008 CTC
# Returns2,7007,41310,20513,55016,000
% Increase 175%38%33%18%
Refunds$5,400,000$9,867,776$12,979,797$17,353,264 $20,480,000
VolunteersN/A248365350400 Needed!
What do Volunteer Tax Preparers do?
Learn how to prepare simple tax returns in up to 10 hours of training – training starts in November
Take a test to be certified by the IRS as a Volunteer Tax Preparer
Commit to volunteer just 3 hours/per between January & April (or a total of 36 hours)
Work directly with families who need help preparing tax returns
Prepare taxes using a commercial software program
Claim federal dollars for families with low incomes
►   Any Texas CPA who completes our training, passes the IRS certification test and volunteers for 36 hours will be approved for 12 hours of CPE credit.
 
What Other Ways Can I Volunteer?
Intake Specialist – This volunteer sets the tone for the client’s experience with the Tax Centers as the first person a taxpayer encounters.  The volunteer welcomes clients, explains our services, screens clients for eligibility, and organizes the necessary documents to facilitate efficient and accurate tax preparation.  As intake specialists, students must possess excellent customer service skills, have a flare for detail and organization, and work well in a fast-paced environment.
Interpreters – 20% of Community Tax Center clients speak only Spanish.  We are in great need of bilingual volunteers to help clients and our volunteer tax preparers communicate effectively.  The interpreters help ensure that the taxpayers understand their tax return and their tax obligations.
 
What is the time commitment?
Between January 22 and April 15, we ask volunteers to serve just 3 hours per week or a total of 36 hours.  Tax centers are conveniently located throughout Austin, with one in Round Rock, and offer daytime, evening, and weekend hours. 
 
Make a difference in YOUR community.  Be a Community Tax Center Volunteer!
Sign up today
www. communitytaxcenters.org
Jackie Blair  ~  Volunteer Coordinator  ~  Foundation Communities
512-447-2026 ext. 35 ~ Jackie.Blair@foundcom.org