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VITA – Bigger Bucks For Your Community OR Show Me The Money!. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program. VITA originated in 1969 as a result of an increased emphasis on taxpayer education programs due to the Tax Reform Act of 1969. VITA Target Markets. Low Income People with Disabilities
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program VITA originated in 1969 as a result of an increased emphasis on taxpayer education programs due to the Tax Reform Act of 1969.
VITA Target Markets Low Income People with Disabilities Limited English Proficiency • Elderly • Native American • Military
Starting Point What resources can my agency provide? • Location • Equipment & Supplies • Volunteers • Training
Adequate space with ample parking Public restroom Handicap accessible Location
Equipment & Supplies • Computer • Internet Access • Laser Printer • Office Supplies
Possess computer skills Enjoy working with public Work with diverse members of the community Ability to be flexible Recruiting Volunteers
Site Coordinators plan, organize, supervise & promote all aspects of the VITA program Volunteer Positions Greeter Screener Preparer Reviewer E-file Coordinator Planning a VITA Site
Taking a Closer Look at Preparing Volunteers for Tax Preparation • Tax Law Training & Support • Practicing & Testing on Link & Learn - Certifications for volunteers • Tax Preparation Software Training
IRS Certification Levels • Basic • Intermediate • Advanced or Military
Link & Learn Practice Lab Training
EITC - Extra Money in Your Pocket! Earned Income Tax Credit is a fully-refundable credit
EITC – Extra Money in Your Pocket! (Cont.) To get EITC, claim it by filing tax return even if you aren’t otherwise required to do so You may qualify if you are single, married, with or without children
EITC – Extra Money in Your Pocket! (Cont.) Amount of credit varies depending on your income, marital status & family size Get up to $5,666 extra back from IRS when you file your taxes May be only opportunity for taxpayers to save
Paid Preparer Fees Avg. Fee for EITC return = $160 per return* EIC VITA returns = 80,885 Paid Preparer Fees Savings = $13.3M *2007 Data – Center for Economic Progress, “Making the Case for Community VITA Funding”
IRS Resources www.irs.gov • Partner & Volunteer Resource Center
VITA Around Oklahoma VITA Sites located in 55 of 77 Counties 74% Coverage rate
Other Methods for Providing VITA Services Virtual VITA Site Operation Module: Non-IRS Certified Volunteer Intake Site linked with Certified Volunteer Preparation Site. FSA (Facilitated Self Assistance) Self-Service Tax Preparation
VITA – More Than Just a Free Tax Preparation Site! MoneyWise Debit Card U. S. Savings Bonds Balance Due Counseling Split Refund Referrals to other Asset Building Programs
Funding Opportunities VITA Grant • Enables VITA program to extend services to underserved populations • Increases capacity to file returns electronically • $10M expected for 2012 grant annual funding
Interested? Send an e-mail to partner@irs.gov Your information will be forwarded to IRS Manager responsible for your State Local Relationship Manager will contact you
Questions? IRS: Pam Charles – Sr. Stakeholder Relationship Manager 55 N. Robinson MC: 1040 Oklahoma City, OK 73102 Phone: (405) 297-4054 Cell: (405) 343-5842 Fax: (405) 297-4135 Email: Pam.K.Charles@irs.gov