VITA Tax Clinic Information for Volunteers

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BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING BECOMING A VOLUNTEER · STEPS TO QUALIFY TRAINING OPTIONS

Benefits of Volunteering

Participating in the VITA program can be a valuable addition to your academic and professional journey, providing you with practical skills, personal growth and a deeper connection to your community. Through this volunteer work experience opportunity, you will:

🔍 ANALYTIC AND RESEARCH SKILLS

Develop analytic and research skills by reviewing tax laws and regulations to determine the appropriate tax treatment for unique tax-related situations.

🏡 COMMUNITY IMPACT

Make an impact in the community by assisting individuals and families who may not have access to affordable tax preparation services.

🎓 GROWTH AND FEEDBACK

Learn to ask for assistance when encountering a difficult or complicated situation, and learn to accept constructive feedback to improve future performance.

💬 INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

Improve your interpersonal skills, gain confidence and develop interviewing skills to obtain missing information or clarify information that is unclear. Learn the importance of documenting your work and the importance of confidentiality and privacy.

⭐ MARKETABILITY

Develop skills and habits that will make you more marketable.

📝 PRACTICAL EXPERIENCE

Gain practical experience in preparing tax returns by applying tax knowledge to real-life scenarios.

🤝 SOFT SKILLS

Develop valuable soft skills such as leadership, communication, problem-solving and customer service, which are important in a professional business environment.

📖 TAX LAW UNDERSTANDING

Broaden your understanding of tax laws and regulations, which will help you understand the tax impact of certain personal and business financial decisions.

💻 TECHNICAL SKILLS

Develop new technical skills by using a professional tax preparation platform.

Becoming a Volunteer

NO PRIOR EXPERIENCE OR TAX KNOWLEDGE IS NEEDED. All majors are welcome.

GENERAL STEPS TO QUALIFY AS A VITA VOLUNTEER

STEP 1

Complete the VITA Volunteer Application to apply and be added to our mailing list.

STEP 2

Participate in alternative VITA tax law training (see training options).
For those who desire college course credit, register for ACCT 113 VITA I tax law training for course credit (optional).
Complete the following IRS VITA tax certification exams:
- IRS VITA Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSC) Exam
- Intake/Interview and Quality Review Exam
- Basic Examination
- Advanced Examination (preferred)

STEP 3

Participate at the VITA site during the tax season.
For those who desire college course credit for participating in VITA, register for ACCT 114 VITA II (optional).

VOLUNTEER NON-TAX PREPARER REQUIREMENTS

All VITA volunteer non-tax preparers must pass the Volunteer Standards of Conduct.

Volunteer Tax Law Training Options and Training Schedule

OPTION 1: ACCT 113 (Course Credit)

Enroll in ACCT 113 for course credit. It is recommended to concurrently attend the in-person training sessions (see Option 2).

OPTION 2: Hands-On Campus Training

Hands-on training conducted on campus. Not required to enroll in ACCT 113.

Specific dates for all in-person training sessions in January and February will be announced.
Location of campus training sessions will be announced.
More detailed information and access to our VITA Canvas shell will be provided to the VITA volunteers.

VITA / TCE CENTRAL: IRS LINK AND LEARN

https://apps.irs.gov/app/vita/

CONTACT INFORMATION: Patrick Borja, CPA and VITA faculty coordinator
vita@citruscollege.edu

Citrus College VITA Tax Clinic • Mathematics Building, MA 227 • 1000 W. Foothill Blvd., Glendora, CA 91741
VITA is an IRS-sponsored program. Services are free for those who qualify.