The IRS and its community partners are seeking volunteers for the upcoming filing season to support the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs, which offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.
VITA sites offer free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
- People who generally make $67,000 or less;
- Persons with disabilities; and
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers.
In addition to VITA, the TCE program offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.
VITA and TCE sites also are generally available for individuals and families who are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the IRS said.
While the IRS manages the VITA and TCE programs, the VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. The IRS-certified volunteers who provide tax counseling are often retired individuals associated with nonprofit organizations that receive grants from the IRS.
Volunteers often range from high school students to retirees.
“Anyone looking to gain invaluable professional experience while helping their community is encouraged to sign up,” the IRS said.
Benefits of becoming a VITA or TCE volunteer:
- No experience necessary: The IRS offers free specialized training to volunteers.
- Flexible hours and locations: VITA/TCE sites are located nationwide and offer both in-person and virtual opportunities. Hours are generally available at night and on weekends.
- Variety of volunteer roles: Available volunteer positions aren’t limited to tax preparation and can include greeters, marketing specialists, IT troubleshooters, and more.
- Tax professionals can earn CPE credits: The VITA/TCE program is approved to provide IRS CPE credits for:
- Enrolled agents;
- Non-credentialed tax preparers; and
- California Tax Education Council (CTEC) and Registered Tax Preparers (CRTP).
- Making a difference: Help underserved communities across the country fulfill their tax obligation and save money.
The IRS asks interested individuals to sign up from October through January to volunteer at a local VITA/TCE site this filing season. Interested volunteers who sign up after January will have their information kept on file for the next filing season. Those who signed up within the last two months don’t need to sign up again unless their contact information has changed.
To learn more about becoming a VITA/TCE volunteer, visit IRS.gov/volunteers or sign up by using the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign Up.
Approximately 14 days after signing up, the IRS will provide a list of available local VITA/TCE sites and an invitation to a virtual orientation.
Photo credit: gregobagel/iStock
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