vita: volunteer income tax assistance · • introduction to vita • basic tax preparation part 1...

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

• Print

• 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