You can help low-income families prepare their taxes
You can do something to help working families get ahead. Volunteer with the Center for Economic Progress this tax season. Many low-income families in the Elgin area are eligible for valuable tax credits that can provide some financial stability. As a volunteer tax preparer, you can help low-income families access hundreds or even thousands of dollars in important tax credits.
In 2011, the Center for Economic Progress assisted in completing 1,236 federal returns, which generated $2,028,902 in federal refunds, an increase of $403,385 (25 percent). The total value of Earned Income Tax Credit was $714,793.
There is an overwhelming need for volunteers, regardless of experience level, and valuable training will be provided through the program. Once trainees become certified, they are able to file taxes for anyone — themselves, neighbors, friends, etc. In addition to helping a worthy cause, participants also will gain a valuable resume enhancer and learn a beneficial skill.
The program welcomes all who are willing to volunteer. While tax preparer volunteers must be out of high school, greeter and intake helper positions are open to those at the high school age.
The Center for Economic Progress will provide full training for volunteers that will make it easy for you to help. As a volunteer you will receive comprehensive free training, CPE credits, flexible hours, networking opportunities and a chance to learn new skills.
Don't feel comfortable with working with taxes or have the time for training? As a volunteer tax assistant you will help the sites with nontax oriented volunteer activities, such as translating, greeting, client screening, photocopying, or other administrative duties. This role requires no coursework; you will be trained at your first volunteer session.
The tax site will be open from Jan. 21 through April 16 on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 5:30 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave., Elgin. Flexible schedules are available. For more information on the needs of the program as well as the necessary time commitment, visit www.economicprogress.org/volunteer. In southern Kane County, there will be a tax site at Waubonsee Community College's Aurora campus, which opens Jan. 28.
The program asks that volunteer tax preparers commit to at least 20 hours during the tax season.
Training will be a combination of online courses and in-class sessions held at Judson University. The testing process will be an open-book, online exam. All course information will be provided when you complete the online registration process. You must register by Jan. 1 to begin the training.
Training for returning volunteers requires three hours of refresher courses to cover any changes in tax law. All courses are available online.
There are four units of training for new volunteer tax preparers. Basic Tax Preparation 1 and 3 are online courses to be taken independently. The remaining units are in-class sessions held at Judson University on these dates:
Ÿ Basic Tax Preparation 2: Wednesday, Jan. 4, from 6 to 9 p.m.
Ÿ Basic Tax Preparation 4: Wednesday, Jan. 11, from 6 to 9 p.m.
To register to volunteer or for more information, visit the Center for Economic Progress or contact them directly at volunteer@economicprogress.org or (312) 630-0288.
The Center for Economic Progress' Tax Preparation Program provides volunteers to prepare taxes free to individuals making less than $25,000 per year and families making less than $50,000 per year. Returns are prepared on a first-come, first-served basis throughout the tax season at the Gail Borden Public Library during program hours.