IRS Seeks Help for Volunteer Return Preparation Program

MOUNTAINSIDE – Looking for a rewarding volunteer experience? Do you like to help people?
“The Internal Revenue Service is seeking volunteers for the Volunteer Return Preparation Program (VRPP),” said IRS spokesperson Gregg Semanick in a release.
“The IRS is looking for volunteers to take part in the VRPP throughout New Jersey.”
During the tax filing season, VRPP volunteers, in community locations throughout the state, help prepare tax returns for older taxpayers, people with disabilities, non-English speaking individuals and other people who cannot afford professional assistance.
Many of the volunteer sites offer free electronic filing. The IRS provides VRPP volunteers with free instruction and all the materials needed to prepare basic income tax returns such as Forms 1040EZ, 1040A and 1040. Training for volunteers is generally held at convenient locations or on-line.
“These are great programs that help citizens meet their tax filing obligations. In New Jersey during the last tax filing season, 1,400 VRPP volunteers assisted over 50,000 taxpayers at 371 volunteer sites in communities across the state,” Semanick said.
“Who are these volunteers? They are people just like you – members of professional organizations, college students, law and accounting students, or members of other volunteer or community organizations.”
Although an accounting background is helpful, it is not required, but basic computer skills are necessary. Additionally, it will be helpful if you have been preparing your own tax returns and are familiar with tax forms and the aspects of electronic filing. The VRPP also needs volunteers who are bilingual.
Volunteers are also needed to help in other aspects of the VRPP such as organizing sites, instructing classes, reviewing returns prepared at the sites and publicity.
If you have a skill and would like to help, the VRPP can find a way to involve you in the program. Local civic and fraternal organizations, educational institutions, churches and social groups can also sponsor VRPP sites. Tax assistance generally is provided at schools, churches, malls, libraries and other convenient neighborhood locations.
Interested in becoming a VRPP volunteer? Does your organization want to sponsor a VRPP site in your community?
For more information or to get involved, contact Wanda Morgan of the Internal Revenue Service at 973-645-3969 or via email Wanda.D.Morgan@irs.gov .