Agency: Foundation Communities

Description: With a little time from 600 volunteers, the Community Tax Centers will prepare 20,000 tax returns and bring over $29 million into the pockets of those who need it most in Travis County.

Community Tax Centers provide free income tax preparation services to Austin’s low-income families. By helping people claim all of the tax credits for which they are eligible, volunteers can give many of the working poor in our community a chance to build a financial future.

Volunteer Tax Preparer responsibilities:
• Work directly with families who need help preparing tax returns
• Learn how to prepare simple tax returns in 8 hours of training
• Talk with clients to gather necessary information to prepare their tax return
• Prepare tax returns using TaxWise software
• Explain the tax return to the client and answer questions
• Commit to volunteer just 3 hours/per between January & April (or a total of 36 hours)
• After the training, volunteer tax preparers will become certified by the IRS as a volunteer tax preparer

Volunteer quotes
*This is the most productive volunteering I have ever done. It really does make a difference to individuals and the community
*What I see happening at the Community Tax Centers helps restore my faith in people. Maybe that’s what keeps me coming back each year
*Volunteering at the Community Tax Center has been such a rewarding experience for me! I love watching our clients walk out the door with huge smiles on their faces! It is great to help others and know that you have made a positive impact on their lives.

Impact Areas: Other: Professional Services, Other

Interests: The interests recommended for this project are:
Civic & Community

Skills: The skills helpful for participation in this project are:
Tax Prep