BACKGROUND: The mission of the IRC is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future.

SCOPE OF WORK: The IRC’s Program Quality and Innovation Unit assists offices which help newly arrived refugees and other low-income individuals reach self-sufficiency by finding entry-level employment and progress to living wage jobs; learn basic financial management skills and build assets; start small businesses; and access Earned Income Tax Credit. Under the supervision of the Tax Site Coordinator, Volunteer Tax Screeners will ensure that taxpayers have all the necessary information and documents required to complete a tax return. The program is offering services to clients in IRC offices located in Phoenix, AZ; Denver, CO; Elizabeth, NJ; New York, NY; Dallas, TX; and Salt Lake City, UT. The IRC’s goal is to assist 4,000 taxpayers in preparing their returns in a safe, culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.

COMMITMENT: January- April 2025 between 5-15 hours per week

RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Refer taxpayers with ‘out-of-scope’ returns to a professional return preparer.
· Complete all IRC and IRS mandated trainings and certifications, including the Standards of Conduct (VSC) certification and Basic level certification (IRC prefers certifying at the Advanced level).
· Ensure the taxpayer has brought the required documents (e.g. valid photo identification, Social Security card(s), W-2, 1099, 1095, prior year’s return, etc.) for tax return completion. Give each taxpayer Form 13614-C and the Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet to complete.
· Explain the site’s return preparation process to the taxpayer. Provide assistance in scanning and uploading necessary tax documents while also verifying taxpayer identification.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
1. The volunteer will learn how to effectively coordinate VITA program
2. The volunteer will learn about providing financial services to community members