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Get InvolvedVolunteer OpportunitiesHow can I help by becoming a VOLUNTEER?By becoming a Volunteer Income Tax Preparer with United Way of Escambia County's Financial Stability Coalition, you can help low- to moderate-income taxpayers file for and receive the tax credits to which they are entitled. Additionally, you will save them money and help improve their financial condition by ensuring they do not pay a fee to have their taxes prepared or get ripped off by a tax refund scam. All volunteers are trained and certified by the IRS. Tax Preparation is free for all who qualify (in general, those with incomes of less than $49,000). In 2010, volunteers with United Way's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program prepared more than 1,200 returns for Escambia County taxpayers with a $1.7 million impact on the community in refunds and fee preparer savings. Even if you do not want to prepare and file taxes, we still could use you as a volunteer during Tax Season! Please read over the Volunteer Job Descriptions below and contact us if you are interested in helping with this program. Intake Specialist/Greeter
As an Intake Specialist you will be a part of leading low income individuals/families to financial relief. You will set the course by greeting, responding to asked questions, helping to get the individual thinking about positive and productive uses for their EITC return and to prep the customer for the Preparer. All of the supplies and prior training will be provided by the United Way of Escambia County.
Volunteer Tax Preparer
As a volunteer preparer you will assist families/individuals in receiving their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Education or Senior Income Tax Credits. You will make a much needed ongoing financial difference in a family’s life by, consulting and guiding people through their income tax form.
Volunteers will complete returns on IRS provided software that automatically computes amounts based on accurate input of data.
In order to do this you must complete the IRS Tax Law class that will be given mid January and/or complete an IRS online "Link & Learn" course. Following successful testing the certificate can be printed for verification. Training and certification in tax preparation are free. The United Way of Escambia County will direct you to the dates and times of both courses and will provide all curriculum and supplies you will need as a Volunteer Tax Preparer. In order to be effective it is strongly urged you be able to commit at least 4 hours one day a week or possibly every other week.
Quality Control – Exit Review
Other volunteers will serve as quality control following preparation of individual returns checking for correct input of SS numbers, W-2 and other information.
For more details or to sign up, call us at (850) 434-3157, ext. 255 or e-mail financialstability@unitedwayescambia.org.
For partnering with United Way to increase access to free tax preparation in Escambia County, we offer special thanks to:
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