Volunteer Training Overview
All VITA volunteer tax preparers must be certified in Basic and Intermediate tax law levels. Each volunteer must also be trained on the IRS TaxWise computer program since all tax filing is completed online.
New Volunteers
Training in the tax law levels is accomplished either through classroom instruction or online instruction/independent study through the IRS Link & Learn website.
TY 2011 classroom instruction is scheduled for December 3, 10, 17, 2011, 9am-5pm at The Porreco Center (in the on-campus “Barn”), 2951 W. 38 Street, in Erie. Classroom training sessions will combine tax law instruction with use of an IRS-designated online computer program used for filing all tax returns.
TY 2011 online instruction through Link & Learn provides interactive coursework. Link & Learn enables volunteers to complete the training/certification process at their own convenience and pace. Link & Learn also provides a TaxWise practice site which will become available November 4, 2011.
Volunteers are provided with IRS training resource materials regardless of training model chosen. Total training time is between 35-45 hours.
Computer program training is scheduled in December and January for both classroom and online students.
Volunteers must take a test in both levels of tax law and pass each with a minimum score of 80. Test-taking is conducted online through Link & Learn and is open book.
Returning Volunteers
Volunteers with TY 2010 VITA experience are required to take refresher tax law training online via Link & Learn. This training focuses on TY 2011 tax law updates. Certification in both Basic and Intermediate levels of tax law is required. Returning volunteers are encouraged to attend at least one computer practice session prior to the start of the filing season.
Certification
Once a passing minimum score of 80 is achieved at both tax law levels, online certification is granted. All certified volunteers are required to complete and submit the VITA Volunteer Agreement/Standard of Conduct form to Cheryl Bates, Program Director, by January 17, 2012. Failure to do so may jeopardize a volunteer’s ability to prepare tax returns at a VITA site.
Site Assignment
Assignment of volunteers to a particular site is done in partnership with the program director. Every effort is made to assign volunteers to a site of their choice.
Mentoring
New volunteers are provided “hands-on” guidance and support by their site coordinator when completing tax returns during the first two weeks of the volunteer experience. This assists new preparers in being able to complete returns independently. However, site coordinators are available on-site during each filing session to provide additional support and assistance to volunteers as the need arises.
Questions regarding the VITA volunteer training program can be directed to Cheryl Bates at cheryl@unitedwayerie.org or by calling 814-456-2937.
