Become a Volunteer Tax Preparer, Translator, Greeter or Asset Educator
   


Earn It!   Claim It!   Save It!

Every Hour that You Volunteer Brings $437 in Federal Refunds Back to a Low Income Taxpayer!

Volunteer Application

 New Volunteers - Requirements for all new volunteers

You are being asked to volunteer at least 20 hours during tax season.  This equates to working five (5), four hour sessions. 

All new volunteers are REQUIRED to attend Orientation on January 23, 2010 from 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM at Tempe Schools Credit Union, 2800 S. Mill Ave. in Tempe.  Orientation includes lunch.

Job Descriptions and Training

1)  Volunteer Tax Preparer Job Description

  • Pass IRS online tax law course and tax software training (Taxwise)
  • Prepare basic 1040 tax returns and related schedules
  • Answer tax related questions
  • Prepare a correct and accurate return based on information provided by taxpayer
  • Ensure no compensation of any kind is accepted for the volunteer services provided
  • Maintain confidentiality of taxpayer information
  • Provide a copy of the completed return to the taxpayer

Tax Law Training -

The IRS has an online course that takes about 40 hours to complete.  To volunteer, one must pass an online test at the Basic level of certification.   The online course is available by late November.  All enrolled volunteers will be instructed on how to access the course.  In addition to learning tax law, volunteers must learn Taxwise, the IRS software.

Taxwise Training -

You need attend only one of the following classes.  All classes are held at Tempe Schools Credit Union, 2800 S. Mill Ave. in Tempe:
January 9, 2010 from 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
January 13, 2010 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
January 23, 2010 from 11:30 AM – 2:30 PM (after Orientation)
January 27, 2010 from 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

2)  Volunteer Spanish Translator Job Description

  • Provide free interpreter services at a VITA site
  • Be friendly, dependable and flexible

Translators need only be able to carry on a conversation with taxpayers.  A list of tax terms in English and Spanish will be available to you.  Translators will be given their English/Spanish reference materials at Orientation.

3)  Volunteer Greeter Job Description

  • Greet taxpayers to create a safe, welcoming atmosphere
  • Provide intake forms
  • Insure taxpayers have necessary documentation (e.g. W-2)
  • Monitor and facilitate site traffic to enhance efficient services to all taxpayers

Greeters must be both personable and organized.  We place great emphasis on quality customer service and greeters are our “first line” team members.   Training for greeters will be provided on Saturday, January 23, 2010 from 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM  -- after orientation and lunch.

4)  Volunteer Asset Educator Job Description

  • Promote opportunities that will help low income families become financially stable
  • These opportunities include: US Series I Savings bonds, free financial education workshops, public benefits screening (i.e. food stamps and health care) and matched savings accounts for education and home ownership

Asset Educators must have a desire to help people learn how to use their tax refunds to meet both current and future needs. 

While free tax preparation is the foundation of our Initiative, we know that income alone does not lift people out of poverty – the accumulation of assets such as an education or a home does!  In Tempe, we have some innovative programs that you will be able to promote to interested taxpayers.  

Training for asset educators will be provided on Saturday, January 23, 2010 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM -- after orientation and lunch

 When will I begin to volunteer
At orientation, you will be asked to sign up for the dates you would like to volunteer.   Our site will be closed March 15, March 13 and March 20, 2010 for spring break.

Returning Volunteers
 
We encourage all returning volunteers to attend one, 6-hour course.
Advanced Tax Law + Taxwise Update
Course #1: January 12 +14 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Course #2: January 26 +28 from 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
 
Orientation for Returning Volunteers
January 20 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM
 
Screener Training (open only to Tax Preparers with Advanced certifications)
January 20 from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM
 
Quality Control Training (open only to Tax Preparers with Advanced certifications)
January 20 from 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM
 

 

For more information
Contact Diane Bennett   ddb1125@aol.com 

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