The Free Community Tax Service helps residents file federal and state returns for no charge, claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, if eligible, and receive 100 percent of their refund quickly and easily, typically in ten days or less. Last year's efforts helped residents file over 2,800 tax returns! Low- and moderate-income residents in Monroe and Owen counties saved over $1.2 million dollars in tax preparation fees and received $2.9 million in refunds, allowing individuals to put the money saved toward important expenses like rent, groceries, utilities, and education.
What is a Tax Hero?
Volunteers do not need to have any prior experience with preparing taxes and will receive training and support in a positive, team-based environment.
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| Listen to Tax Hero Laura Walter share about her Free Community Tax Service experience. | |
Become a Free Community Tax Service Hero!
1. Sign-up.
Complete this online application to start the process of becoming a Tax Hero.
2. Start the Training and Certification process.
All volunteers must get certified through the IRS Online certification portal, the Link & Learn website.
Use this Step-by-Step Training Guide to help you through the certification process.
Other Useful Training Tools:
Link & Learn Getting Started Guide
Using the Practice Lab (TaxSlayer Guide)
Indiana State Volunteer Handbook (For State Returns)
ACA Training: 2018-reconciling-premium-tax-credit
ACA Training: 2018-exemptions-individual-mandate
2019 Training & Volunteer Sessions
Click here to RSVP for all training sessions you plan to attend.
- Working with Taxpayers 101; 1315 E 10th St., School of Environmental and Public Affairs (SPEA) room A221 Tuesday, November 27, 7- 8 pm
- Volunteer Kick-Off Meeting; 1315 E 10th St., School of Environmental and Public Affairs (SPEA) room 163 Tuesday, January 8th, 7-8 pm
- Tax Law Training Class; Ivy Tech- 200 Daniels Way, Room B201
Friday, January 18: 9am-12pm,
Friday, January 18: 1pm-4pm,
Saturday, January 19: 9am-12 pm
- TaxSlayer Software Training Class; Ivy Tech- 200 Daniels Way, Room B201
Friday, January 25: 1pm-4pm,
Saturday, January 26: 9am-12 pm
- Group Study Sessions; IU campus (exact location TBD)
Date/Times TBD; Week of January 20-27, 2019. *Vita Coordinator will email all registered tax heroes when details for the study session have been confirmed.
Volunteers are invited to join us for group study sessions when Site Coordinators and other experienced volunteers will be on hand to help you find the information you need to answer difficult questions and clarify any topics with which you are struggling.
Site Coordinator's Corner
Visit the IRS page for site coordinator's here.
ACA Affordability Calculator
This tool can help tax preparers determine eligibility for ACA exemptions.
Tax Hero Volunteer Coordinator:
Amy Leyenbeck, Community Initiatives Director
United Way of Monroe County
431 South College Avenue
Bloomington, IN 47403
amy [at] monroeunitedway.org
812-334-8370 x 11
Want to help strengthen the earnings potential in our community?
Please consider donating to the United Way Earnings Priority Fund. This fund helps hard working individuals and families get ahead by increasing their job skills and income potential, providing financial education, and building economic stability and independence.
Want to learn more about additional Earnings initiatives or the other building blocks for a good life - Education and Essentials?
