#23: $2.2 Billion Is at Stake for Low-Income Taxpayers

Join the network of thousands of volunteers that ensures millions of low-income taxpayers receive billions of dollars in refunds, a network that helps the community meet their civic obligations as taxpayers and supports them on the path to financial security and opportunity. Consider volunteering for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. You can volunteer in your local community through various VITA sites, usually run by local nonprofit organizations (Goodwill, YMCA, Catholic Charities, etc.). You can potentially get CRA service consideration for both the training and the actual tax preparation services you perform through the program.Also, don’t fret – you don’t have to be a tax wiz to do this! You’ll learn everything you need to know through the VITA training program.Quotes• “Did you know that there’s $2.2 billion at stake for low-income taxpayers? Now, why am I talking about taxes and it’s August? Well, this is really the perfect time for you to get involved and to get trained, so that you can support the VITA program in your community.” (1:09-1:29)• “[This program] utilizes volunteers like bankers, and you get trained on an online portal, and you sit down with taxpayers, and you help them complete their taxes. And then they’re subject and well-positioned to get the refunds that they are then eligible for.” (1:49-2:06)Links• VITA: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayersThe IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals.• IRS Tax Volunteers https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteers• CRA Today Website: https://cratoday.com/ • For more information on the CRA Hub, a membership for bankers to connect, inspire, and master the art of CRA: https://cratoday.com/hub/ Copyright © 2021 by CRA Today LLC(No claim to original U.S. government material)All rights reserved. No part of this podcast may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without prior written permission of the author and publisher.This podcast is a periodic publication of CRA Today LLC and is intended to notify and inspire recipients of new developments in the Community Reinvestment Act. It should not be construed as legal advice or legal opinion on any specific facts or circumstances. The contents are intended for general informational purposes only, and you are urged to consult your own attorney concerning your situation and specific legal questions you have.Podcast production and show notes provided by FIRESIDE Marketing: meetfireside.com/podcast-production-service/