Latest News
Volunteers needed for free tax prep
Written on Nov 10, 2022
Help families in Southwest Ohio, Northern Kentucky and Southeast Indiana file their taxes, claim credits and get the refunds they’ve earned. Sign up to volunteer at UWGC.org/tax-volunteer
WHAT?
Volunteers help individuals file their taxes
Sites operating throughout the region at churches, schools, colleges, recreation centers and other agencies
Volunteers help individuals file taxes using free online software
WHEN?
Information sessions and training from
November-January
Tax season is January-April, with some volunteers
assisting through the summer
Volunteer shifts are 3-4 hours on a weeknight or Saturday; some daytime hours also available
Volunteer at least 3 shifts during tax season
TRAINING
Classroom training starts in December
Volunteers certify online through the IRS
Certified volunteers are protected from liability
Continuing education credits for CPAs, CFAs and attorneys
New volunteers shadow experienced volunteers
Quality review process assures that multiple volunteers review each return
WHERE
Ohio: Hamilton and Clermont counties
Kentucky: Kenton, Campbell, Boone, Grant and other counties
Indiana: Dearborn County
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Individuals can serve as greeters and/or screeners/intake, tax preparers and reviewers, interpreters or translators, support, and site coordinators
Companies/corporate teams can recruit volunteers together, train together, adopt a community tax site and volunteer together as a group, sponsor and run a community tax site, or offer a “closed” tax site to their colleagues
WHY IS THIS IMPORTANT?
The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit move families and children out of poverty. Families depend on refund of withheld earnings
Filing taxes is a legal obligation, yet it requires high levels of education and computer competency
Tax returns are required to access student financial aid, health insurance premium credits, home mortgages and many government benefits
Commercial preparation services are expensive and those offering loans or cash upfront still bear a cost to taxpayers
This program connects tax services to financial education and a path to economic well-being
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Weeknight and weekend hours
Site locations throughout the region
In-person and online training provided
Teamwork and support
IRS certification, college service-learning opportunities
Continuing education credits for CPAs, CFAs and attorneys
No previous experience is necessary. Volunteers commit to a minimum of 12 hours during tax season, January-April.