The IRS Wants You!

Want to give back to your community? Good with numbers?

The IRS wants you to consider helping to provide free tax services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. 

Last year, more than 1,500 volunteers in Connecticut assisted more than 44,500 taxpayers at 200 sites across the state. 

“The IRS and its partners are once again looking for volunteers that are interested in taking a little time to learn about taxes and then helping others by preparing federal income tax returns for free,” said IRS spokesman Gregg Semanick in a press release.  “Volunteers are certified to prepare simple tax returns for people whose incomes are $50,000 or less. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to volunteer. There is a role for anyone who is interested and wants to help.” 

Volunteers can work as either a return-preparer, a site coordinator or a greeter. Greeters generally answer simple questions and distribute forms. 

According to the release, volunteers are usually trained between November and January. Once certified, helpers generally spend several hours a week volunteering between February and April.

More information is available at www.IRS.gov, using the keywords “Tax Volunteer” in the search box. To volunteer or for more information send an email to Jodonna Powell at Jodonna.G.Powell@irs.gov.