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VITA: Volunteer Income Tax AssistanceA national VOLUNTEER program assisting families at tax time.
EITC and CTC are tax credits designed to promote work and to lift families out of poverty.
They are only available to people who file federal tax returns.
• EITC (EIC): Earned Income Tax Credit/Earned Income Credit
• CTC: Child Tax Credit/ Additional Child Tax Credit
• American Opportunity Tax Credit/ Lifelong Learning Credit
• Retirement Credits…• Advanced Premium Tax Credit
EITC and CTC
• Families depend on refund of withheld earnings to meet their basic expenses.
• Filing taxes is a legal obligation for almost everyone.
• Tax Prep requires reading, interpretation and computer competency.
• For-profit tax preparation services can be expensive
• Some for-profit and online services entail predatory loans and deceptive practices.
Why VITA and EITC?
Tax returns are required to access:
HEALTH:• health insurance premium credits
EDUCATION:• student financial aid (FAFSA)
HOUSING• home mortgages
FINANCIAL STABILITY• many government benefit programs.
Why VITA and EITC?
Tax Refunds
return money to
the local
community.
$20 Million in 2017!
Why VITA and EITC?
2017:
17,078*
returns;
$20.1
million in
refunds
4,613 4,496
9,223
15,815 15,75816,553
17,56618,207
19,832 19,793
21,109
17,078
$5.7 $5.5
$9.7
$16.6
$18.7 $19.1 $20.2
$21.3 $21.0
$23.7 $23.4
$20.1
2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017
Returns Filed Dolllars Returned (in Millions)
*includes United Way VITA, United Way MyFreeTaxes, AARP, Ohio Benefits Bank
IMPACT
• Greeting
• Intake/Screening
• Tax Preparation
• Quality Review
• E-filing
WHAT HAPPENS AT A TAX SITE?
WHAT MAKES A GOOD TAX VOLUNTEER?
Personable and friendly
High ethical standards
Enjoy solving puzzles
Willing to ask questions
Enjoys computers
No math needed
INDIVIDUALS• Greeters
• Tax Preparers
• Tax Reviewers
• Tax Coaches
• Interpreters
• Technology Help
• Site Coordinators
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
TRAINING:• November – January
• 12 hours
• Fridays or Saturdays
TAX SEASON: • January 20-April 17, 2018
MINIMUM COMMITMENT: • At least 3 shifts/season
• Each shift is 4 hours on a weeknight or Saturday (some weekdays available)
TIME COMMITMENT
IRS CERTIFICATION• Online and classroom training
• Certification is an annual online IRS test
• More complex than actual tax returns
• Up to 18 CEUs for CPAs, CFAs and Attorneys
• Certified volunteers are protected from liability
ASSURING QUALITY• Strict code of ethics
• New volunteers shadow experienced volunteers
• Multiple volunteers review each return
• Experienced coordinator onsite
QUALITY AND CERTIFICATION
Volunteer Protection ActPublic Law 105-19, Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 (VPA) Protects volunteers from liability for acts they perform within the scope of their responsibilities as a volunteer.
WHEN AND WHERE
Ohio:• Hamilton County: Bond Hill, Evanston, Finneytown, Harrison,
Madisonville, Millvale, North Avondale, Price Hill, Springdale, Over-the-Rhine.
• Butler County: Fairfield, Middletown
• Clermont County: Mt. Carmel, Loveland
Indiana: Aurora, Lawrenceburg
Kentucky: Newport, Covington, Florence, Williamstown
http://www.makeworkpay.com/tax-assistance/tax-site-locations/
1. SIGN UP: • Attend orientation session; respond to follow up email.
• Review locations and timing (www.uwgc.org/tax-help)
2. Training Classes:Sign up at: http://www.makeworkpay.com/volunteer/training-calendar/
• Introduction to VITA
• Basic Tax Preparation Part 1
• Basic Tax Preparation Part 2
• TaxSlayer software navigation and testing
• Optional specialty classes for experienced volunteers
3. Certify:
• Take your test online
4. Schedule and Volunteer
5. Celebrate!
NEXT STEPS- INDIVIDUALS