Volunteer: Tax Preparer

The volunteer Tax Preparer helps qualified working families prepare their Federal and State tax returns, using an interview-based software program, with the objective of ensuring that all eligible families apply for and receive the Earned Income Tax Credit .

Tax Preparer Volunteer Responsibilities:

• Prepares tax returns for taxpayers who qualify for VITA assistance. Tax returns are typically a simple 1040 or 1040-EZ unless the volunteer wants to participate in further training.
• Answers basic taxpayer questions and refers taxpayers for additional assistance as necessary to local the IRS office, Low Income Tax Clinics (LITC), etc.
• Informs clients about other services available through the Atlanta Prosperity Campaign and its partners.

Tax Preparer Volunteer Qualifications:

• Complete a training session (3-6 hrs) on basic tax law and TaxWise software in January.
• Pass an IRS-certification exam through Basic although you can also test up to Intermediate or Advanced levels. This exam is open-book, untimed.
• Strong computer skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Good attention to detail.

We have sites located across metro Atlanta. You will have the opportunity to select the site most convenient to you. We require a minimum of 15 volunteer hours during the tax season.

New Tax Preparer Volunteers

In order to devote more time to hands-on examples in class, NEW Tax Preparer Training I & II Training Courses have a required self-study training module to be completed PRIOR to attending the training session.  Please Click Here to access training prerequisites.

Returning Tax Preparer Volunteers

ALL Returning Tax Preparers are asked to certify through at least the Intermediate certification level for the upcoming tax season.  ALL Returning Tax Preparers must register at our site below in order to volunteer; however, attendance at the training course is not mandatory. The course is designed to provide extra guidance to ensure returning volunteers pass the Intermediate certification level.
_{* Several tax provisions are set to expire at the end of 2012. Therefore, the IRS certification test will be based on 2011 tax laws with updated questions from last year.}

Training Resources

Completion of the IRS Certification Test(s) is NOT required prior to training.

• Link and Learn for self-study
• Certification Test Module
• Practice Lab--For detailed Practice Lab Instructions Click Here

Training materials can be viewed below OR Obtained at training courses OR Picked up at the Atlanta Community Food Bank or Gwinnett Village Community Alliance (Closed daily from 12-1pm).

• 4491W-VITA/TCE Problem and Exercises
• 6744-VITA/TCE Volunteer Assistor’s Test/Retest*
• 4012-VITA/TCE Volunteer Resource Guide*
• Pub 17-Federal Income Tax Guide*
• 4491X-VITA/TCE Training Supplement

_{*These resources are excellent resources for the certification test}