Volunteering
Tax Help Montana, a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance [VITA] program that offers no-cost tax preparation to individuals and families with incomes of $42,000 or less is looking for volunteers. In 2008 the program had twenty-seven tax sites staffed by more than eighty volunteers throughout the state. Last year Tax Help Montana volunteers helped complete over 5,000 federal and 4,800 state tax returns, bringing back over 5 million dollars in refunds to Montanans. For every hour of service a Tax Help Montana volunteer returns $1,600 to their local community.
Tax Help Montana is already gearing up for the season ahead. In an effort to better serve our communities we are looking to recruit additional volunteers. Volunteers are needed to greet tax clients, screen and organize clients’ paperwork, and to prepare client tax returns. Don’t be deterred by the language of “taxes” and the daunting task of tax preparation; volunteering for Tax Help Montana is simpler than it seems. “If you like a challenge you'll love taxes as it incorporates math skills, people skills, and most of all the ability to use a computer which does most of the work. Doing a tax return is much like putting a jig saw puzzle together,” says long-time volunteer Bob Sims.
Volunteers have a broad range of experience and most do not have a background in accounting or related professions. Only those handling tax documents are required to be IRS certified and Tax Help Montana provides numerous training opportunities to prepare for certification. Volunteers’ busy schedules are accommodated by evening and weekend training sessions and self-study options. Greeters and screeners are just as important to the program’s success as tax preparers. All volunteers choose their own schedule and can work as little or as often as they like.
Tax Help Montana sites typically operate from February 1st through April 15th. This valuable service would not be possible without the support and dedication of the volunteers who contribute so much of their time, expertise, and enthusiasm to the project. Come join us and help bring back millions to the Montanans who need it the most. If you are interested in volunteering click here to fill out an application or call 1.877.275.2227.