VOLUNTEER
Your volunteer time can help thousands of West Virginia families...
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Our volunteer tax return preparers become IRS-certified and prepare and e-file federal and state returns for West Virginia taxpayers with low-to-moderate incomes, generally up to about $50,000. They do this using the same quality computer software used by many accounting firms. Our quality reviewers work with taxpayers, checking each and every return. This helps to ensure that all entries agree with the documents and other information provided by the taxpayers, that all calculations are correct, and that taxpayers receive the full benefit of the tax law as well as any deductions and credits to which they are entitled. Some volunteers prefer not to prepare or review returns but enjoy their role as greeters, providing taxpayers with intake documents and making them feel welcome at the VITA sites. Still other volunteers work with coalition leaders and VITA site sponsors as promoters of the VITA program and the EITC using press releases, public service announcements, flyers, and brochures. If you want to make a VITAL difference, in peoples’ lives and in your community, we have a place for you.
GREETER
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Roles
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Welcomes clients to VITA site
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Provides taxpayers with intake forms to complete and answer non-tax questions
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Screens all taxpayers have all necessary documents
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Screens taxpayers for VITA assistance
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Manages flow of taxpayers according to Site operational procedures
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Manages waiting and entry areas
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Maintains confidentiality
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Refers clients to site managers for tax questions
Qualifications
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Basic training (2-4 hours) - filing requirements, EITC/CTC basics and administrative tasks
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Interpersonal and communication skills with diverse groups of people
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Attention to detail
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Ability to follow IRS regulations
TAX PREPARER
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Roles
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Prepares tax returns for taxpayers who qualify for VITA assistance. Tax returns are typically simple 1040 or 1040-EZ.
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Answers taxpayers' questions
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Maintains confidentiality
Qualifications
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Tax training
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TaxWise software training
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Pass IRS certification test
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Attention to detail
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Computer skills
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Interpersonal and communication skills
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Ability to follow IRS regulations
QUALITY REVIEWER
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Roles
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Ensure that all Volunteer Tax Preparers are aware of the IRS Quality Review procedures
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Timely review of all tax returns for accuracy before the returns are provided to the taxpayer and/or are electronically filed
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Provides feedback to Volunteer Tax Preparers regarding errors made on tax returns prepared at the site
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Maintains confidentiality
Qualifications
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Basic, Intermediate of Advanced IRS tax training
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Pass IRS Basic, Intermediate or Advanced certification test
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Interpersonal and communication skills
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Attention to detail
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Ability to follow IRS regulation
SITE COORDINATOR
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Roles
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Manages site and volunteers
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Prepares more difficult tax returns
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Helps answer tax preparer's questions
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Answers taxpayers' questions
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Maintains confidentiality
Qualifications
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IRS tax preparation training to the Advanced level
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Site Coordinator training
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TaxWise Software training
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Pass IRS Advanced certification test
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Strong computer skills
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Interpersonal and communication skills
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Attention to detail
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Ability to help with taxpayers and tax preparers in a helpful, supportive and efficient manner
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Ability to follow IRS regulations