[Patrick272]

Has anybody ever done any volunteer tax work for low income families through their school or other organization. I’m having trouble finding a new job and thought I could do something like this so I don’t have a gap in my resume. If anybody can share their experience or just general thoughts I would greatly appreciate it.

AUD-95
BEC-85
FAR-84
REG-76
Work Exp-Need a New Job

[MCLKT]

I like this thread. Once I finish these exams, and have a life again. I'll be sure to give back by volunteering. Great topic!

A:[73]97 F:[74]85 R:86 B:[74]82
*NINJA 10 Pt. COMBO & Yaeger*

[alilotia]

I volunteered with VITA last year and loved it. First few weeks are a little overwhelming since almost every one gets a refund back and they all show up in the first few weeks and the computer software they use is a little annoying and ancient.

I would definitely recommend it and you would greatly benefit from it and it might be a good way to network cause some volunteers at least at my site in Kansas City have industry background. Plus you get to e-file your return and family return for free!

[Novatrek]

VITA. They are all over the country. You will work pretty closely with SPEC agents from the IRS. Ive done it for 3 years now. Honestly, its a *explicative* ton of work. Especially if they give you the responsibility of running the place. Depending on your area, you will likely face massive amounts of traffic with limited resources. Angry old people are no fun.

You will learn a lot. There won't be many business returns. Mostly you will see maybe a dozen or so schedule C's. You'll deal with foreclosures. Every now and again some jerk comes in with a massive amounts of stock transactiosn and you'll have to spend hours manually inputting htem. At one point I got frustrated and turned taxpayers away but the IRS guys and the program managers didn't like that too much. heh.

[Patrick272]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I just passed my last section on Friday and I am recovering from all the partying. I found out my undergrad professor started something through VITA at my old school where students get class credit for the semester while volunteering. I'm pretty sure thats what I will do.

Again, thanks for the suggestions, I was worried about horror stories but it sounds like it will be a good experience if I find the right program.

AUD-95
BEC-85
FAR-84
REG-76
Work Exp-Need a New Job

[yakus22]

@ Forever4 and Annamay84- hey guys, I'm from Bellevue area too and would like to volunteer in United way, but won't be here in US in the month of jan and feb, do you think I can still volunteer, and what is the training that I have to take up to volunteer. I have cleared 3 exams, and giving Regulation on feb 28.

[forever4]

@yakus: I think you should email them and see. They require you to go to training though!

FAR 5/14 88 PASSED!
REG 7/13 74 :((((((((....! I cant believe it!!!! I studied so hard...
REG retake 11/29 -> 89!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BEC 10/11/12 -> 84!!!!!!!!!!!!!
AUD 10/25/12 -> 95!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm DONE! OMG 8 months of hard work.

I SHALL PASS. BECAUSE IT'S ME, SO EVERYTHING WILL BE OK!

[yakus22]

@ forever- okay, thanks.

[whopper]

I just signed up to do taxes under AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) and all you need to do is pass a basic tax exam through ‘Link and Learn' – an online test through the IRS. You can take the intermediate and advanced exams as well which I recommend for a resume booster. Also, for practical purposes you will be able to assist clients with these types of returns. I hadn't visited taxes in depth since college 6 years ago but found the exams relatively easy and the tests are open book/notes. If you are interested, just google AARP and search for tax volunteer and fill out a form of interest. They are in desperate need of volunteers so someone will get back with you quickly. Good luck!

REG - 89, 04/29/13
BEC - 81, 08/06/13
FAR - 84, 12/19/13
AUD - 82, 10/05/13

[Anonymous]

I did the IRS VITA program through my school (UMass) my Junior and Senior year. I actually enjoyed it, and it was good experience (even though I don't do anything with taxes now).

[Author]

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