Volunteer Programs Help Candidates Build Tax Skills

by Pei-Cen Lin

CPA candidates can gain professional skills and hands-on tax preparation experience by volunteering for tax assistance programs sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service and Community Tax Aid.

The IRS provides free tax preparation training and work experience to students who participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), an IRS initiative that provides free tax assistance for low-income individuals, senior citizens, the disabled, and others with special needs. The IRS administers the program every year between February and April 15.

Training includes four days of instruction on federal income tax law and regulations, and one day on state tax issues. Preparers learn to complete IRS Forms 1040, 1040A, and 1040EZ, as well as state forms. After successful completion of an examination, students acquire certification from the IRS to complete the tax forms. Following this certification, volunteers spend from four to 15 hours a week assisting taxpayers at predetermined sites such as libraries, public schools, or colleges.

Some of the schools in the New York City area participating in the VITA program are Baruch College, Bronx Community College, New York University, and Pace University. Students who want more information about VITA can contact their accounting department or accounting society, or call the IRS at (800) 829-1040 and request the IRS Taxpayer Education Department.

Community Tax Aid (CTA) is an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization that also provides free tax return assistance for low-income and elderly people. Now in its 30th year, the program needs volunteers for weekday evenings and weekends from mid-February through April 15, to participate in clinics held at libraries, churches, and community centers.

CTA training includes instruction on technical skills and interviewing techniques, translating jargon into plain language, and developing a greater understanding of the effects of tax policy on the vast majority of taxpayers. The training qualifies for CPE for participants who volunteer at least 10 hours.

For more information on CTA, call Sheldon Barasch at (212) 815-1860 or Emil Gomez at (914) 725-0353.

Volunteers in VITA and CTA gain experience preparing income tax returns while learning to interact effectively with people. Participating in the programs helps candidates cultivate important abilities for success in the accounting profession, such as organizational, communication, and leadership skills, and responsibility, respect, and teamwork. Volunteers also receive a sense of accomplishment for a job well done and knowing they contributed to the community.

In addition to accounting students, both VITA and CTA also recruit CPAs and other tax professionals as volunteers. *