The IRS asking for help?

Yes, it sounds curious but the IRS really is looking for volunteers to help people with their taxes. How can you make a difference? Simple, you can help in your community to prepare taxes free of charge. Become a volunteer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) or Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Programs and you will receive training to provide free tax help for low-to-moderate income families who need assistance preparing their tax returns. Last year 730 volunteers for the Accounting Aid Society prepared over 9,600 tax returns throughout Metro Detroit. While the Wayne County Asset Building Coalition's 25 volunteers prepared 1,239 returns. Nationwide, more than 88,000 people said yes to making a difference during the 2011 filing season and prepared more than 3 million returns at thousands of tax sites.

How does this program work? If you say yes, you’ll be assigned to work with a sponsoring organization, first to receive training and then to begin volunteering at a location in your community. Training is offered both online and in the classroom. VITA and TCE sites are generally open nights and weekends and the hours are flexible. We are sure there is a volunteer site close to you.

Interested? For more details contact us at taxvolunteer@irs.gov and send along the city and state where you want to become a volunteer. Your information along with your email address will be forwarded to the sponsoring partners in your area for further contact. You can also call United Way's 211 number for assistance.

Volunteer! It’s a rewarding way to give back to your community.