VITA Tax Preparer

COMMUNITY PARTNER

Catholic Charities Community Services

ABOUT THE INTERNSHIP

Duties

VITA Volunteer Income Tax Preparer

Responsibility to
Coordinator of Volunteers or VITA Site Coordinator, as designated

Definition of Duties
As a member of the VITA team, to work collaboratively to ensure families receive necessary assistance in tax preparation. As a Tax Preparer, to assist working families with their tax returns during the tax season.

• To prepare correct and accurate basic 1040 tax returns and related schedules for taxpayers based on information provided by the taxpayer.
• To answer related questions.
• To ensure proper submission of electronic tax return.
• To ensure that qualified families apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).
• To provide the taxpayer with a copy of the completed return.
• To maintain confidentiality of taxpayer information.

Length of Commitment
Variable. Minimum commitment of three months during tax season preferred.

Time Required
Variable. 2-4 hours per week or as assigned during tax season.

Qualifications
Ability to maintain confidentiality.
Ability to work collaboratively on a volunteer team.
Facility with technology and computer software.
Willingness to comply with Catholic Charities values and ethical standards.

Training Provided
Tax preparers are required to complete and pass IRS tax law and tax software training.
Orientation to Catholic Charities Paths of Hope: Out of Poverty Initiative.

Evaluation
Yearly or at end of tax season, as applicable.

Importance of the Job to the Organization's Purpose
Your efforts will ensure that working families do not pay expensive tax preparation fees and are able to keep the money to which they are entitled. You will also help families claim tax benefits which can boost a working family’s income up to 35 percent.

From April 11th to April 24th:

Attend meetings

Meets with volunteers, conduct evaluations and provide feedback

Assist with assembly of Best Practices Playbook

Population served

Tax payers age 18+ with low to moderate incomes 

The people we serve are living paycheck to paycheck and are struggling to make ends meet. Receiving the largest refund possible allows them to save and pay off bills.

Community need/impact

Taxes don't have to be taxing! Annual filing is mandatory but it doesn't have to cost people money.  We provide free tax preparation and help tax payers receive their maximum refunds, quality for special credits for which they are eligible, and elect for direct deposit in order to receive their refund sooner.

A higher refund means more money for the local Arizona economy which is still struggling after the recession.