Tax Preparation Volunteers Needed

A message shared by the United Way of Allegheny County on behalf of the Money In Your Pocket Coalition:

Are you looking for a volunteer experience where you can make an immediate and measureable difference in someone’s life? 

The United Way of Allegheny County and the Money In Your Pocket Coalition need your help this tax season to provide free tax preparation assistance for low-income individuals and families in Allegheny County. 

Last year, more than 125 students, professionals, and retirees dedicated over 4,000 hours to Allegheny County’s free tax campaign.  Volunteers prepared 4,486 tax returns and helped return $7.8 million in tax refunds back to local residents, including $3.1 million in Earned Income Tax Credits. 

For the clients we serve, these tax refunds helped put food on the table, pay off debt, make rent or mortgage payments, and pay for heat and electricity during Pittsburgh’s winter months. Learn more about the free tax campaign at http://www.pghfreetaxes.org. 

Am I eligible to become a volunteer tax preparer? 

If you have experience doing your own tax returns (or just want to learn), we need you!  Tax preparation volunteers have basic computer skills, enjoy working with others, and successfully complete two days of tax training and IRS certification (provided by the MIYP Coalition free of charge). 

Time commitment:

Your short-term time commitment is 3 or more hours per week from January-April.  Scheduling is easy, and includes daytime, evening, or weekend hours.  

Training:

You choose one of the following tax training weekends:

January 8^th and 9^th from 9 am to 5 pm

January 15^th and 16^th from 9 am to 5 pm

January 22^nd and 23^rd from 9 am to 5 pm

 Free Tax Site Locations:

 South Side

 Monroeville

 Downtown

 East Liberty

 Lawrenceville

 North Side

We hope you will join us for the 2011 tax season, and ask that you:

• Fill out and save the attached volunteer application form

• Email it back to us as an attachment at freetaxes@uwac.org

• Or print it out and fax it to us at 412.456.6893

When we receive your application, we’ll register you for training and forward your application to your chosen site.  You will receive a confirmation email within one business day.  Please return your completed application by December 31, 2010.  If you have questions or need more information, email us at freetaxes@uwac.org or call 412.456.6785.    

Please pass this message along to your contacts and networks! The Money In Your Pocket Coalition includes Just Harvest, Family Resources, Goodwill of Southwestern PA, United Cerebral Palsy, Allegheny County Department of Human Services, Internal Revenue Service, and the United Way of Allegheny County.