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
Intake Form 13614-C Training (Required only for Intake Specialists)
Link & Learn Getting Started Guide
Using the Practice Lab (TaxSlayer Guide)
Indiana State Volunteer Handbook (For State Returns)
Scope and Decision Tree Tool (For Call Takers)
Scope and Decision Tree Training (Video for call takers on how to use the tool)
Appointment Plus Training (For call takers)
2020-21 Training & Volunteer Sessions
All training will be virtual during the 2021 tax season.
Working with Taxpayers 101- recording of live session on 12/17/2020
Visit this VITA training site- it has tons of study guides, quizzes, videos, and a google form where you can enter your answers to the certification test and check yourself before you take the test through Link and Learn.
Prosperity Now VITA Train This is a free online training curriculum features 12 plug-and-play modules designed to help volunteers prepare for the IRS Basic Volunteer Certification Test. It also includes a module for returning volunteers with updates on the new tax laws and several Advanced Certification topics.
Other Helpful Videos for Review:
Intake Interview & Quality Review (31:32) explains how to use the intake form, how to interview clients, and how to conduct Quality Review
Conducting an Interview (11:32) demonstrates sitting with a client and going through the interview process using the intake form.
Completing a basic return in TaxSlayer (35:38) shows completing a return within TaxSlayer from start to finish.
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?
