TIME COMMITMENT: Minimum of 3 hours each week for 4 months (January through April), plus training on your own prior to the start of tax season.
BACKGROUND: Founded in 1933, the International Rescue Committee is a leading, non-sectarian, non-profit organization providing emergency relief, protection, rehabilitation assistance, resettlement services, and advocacy for refugees and victims of oppression or violent conflict. Domestically, our 29 offices across the U.S. ensure new arrivals have food, shelter, and clothing, and work with refugees to help them gain self-sufficiency.
SCOPE OF WORK: The IRC operates a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to provide FREE tax preparation services to individuals and families with incomes below the national average who would like to get the most out of their tax return. Last tax season, the IRC Charlottesville’s VITA Volunteers completed more than 150 returns. As a tax preparation volunteer, you will provide important support to individuals and families with incomes below the national average by guiding them through the tax preparation process and connecting them with other IRC resources when appropriate. You will work one-on-one with clients supporting them in navigating the ins and outs of tax preparation.
NO PREVIOUS TAX EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! If chosen as a volunteer, the IRC will provide you with training that results in your certification as a volunteer income tax preparer. This training involves a self-directed online curriculum combined with support from IRC staff. This is an excellent opportunity to gain skills in tax preparation while providing support to families and individuals that can benefit from your expertise.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
·Complete tax preparation training online and pass the VITA certification exam at the advanced level.
· Prepare Federal and State tax returns for individuals and families with incomes below the national average
·Greet clients and provide a safe environment.
·Perform quality reviews to ensure returns are prepared correctly.
·Attend Volunteer Orientation.
·Must undergo and pass a background check. The IRC kindly requests a $48 donation to assist in covering the cost of this requirement.
·Be sensitive to the global environments and contexts of clients. Respect their beliefs and values, which may differ from yours.
·Communicate regularly with the IRC staff, keeping the Economic Empowerment Coordinator advised of concerns or changes affecting your volunteer assignment.
·Record hours each session and submit a completed time sheet at the end of each month.
REQUIREMENTS:
·Proficiency in spoken and written English.
·Must be 18 years of age or older.
·Access to a laptop or other device suitable for tax preparation assistance.
·Familiarity with technology and computer skills.
·No tax experience necessary- training provided.
·Commitment to working with refugees and willingness to learn about cross-global communication and backgrounds of clients
·Ability to travel to the IRC’s Charlottesville office once a week or more during tax season (January through April).
·Willing to adhere to IRC volunteer and workplace policies, including confidentiality policies.
To apply, click the link below: https://x.gldn.io/e/XIBa3XAkI2b
