Name of organization: United Way of Northern Arizona

Location of organization: 1515 E Cedar Ave, Suite D-1, Flagstaff, AZ 86004

Website of organization: www.nazunitedway.org

United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) partners with community organizations across northern Arizona, as well as statewide, to create lasting changes in community conditions. This includes convening committees as well as providing funding to organizations that align with UWNA’s mission and initiatives. UWNA’s initiatives encompass Education, Income and Health.

VITA Program Assistant

AmeriCorps Service Assignment Description:

The AmeriCorps member will become part of the United Way of Northern Arizona staff as the Earn It! Keep It! Save It! Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) AmeriCorps Program Assistant. VITA offers free tax help to low-to moderate-income people. The program is volunteer driven, with volunteers trained by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to prepare tax returns. Every year, residents of Northern Arizona forfeit an estimated four million dollars in Earned Income Tax Credits because they don’t file tax returns with the IRS. VITA addresses this problem with free, certified volunteer tax preparation at numerous sites, including sites in very rural areas.

Assist with running VITA tax sites starting January until April.

Develop strong relationships with satellite VITA site host organizations.

Set-up and take-down VITA sites.

Assisting VITA clients with paperwork, documents needed, and general questions that may arise.

Assist with prior year tax returns for VITA clients.  

Organize and lead taxpayer assistance workshops aimed to provide information to tax clients on tax documentation, social security, and other tax related topics to prepare for tax season.

Ensure that the efforts of volunteers are adequately recognized.

Help recruit and schedule volunteers to serve as VITA volunteers at tax sites.

Assist with volunteer training in November and January.

Oversee the volunteers that provide assistance at the tax sites.

Work with Site Supervisor in managing the site and flow, including volunteers, clients, and technological issues that arise.

Attend IRS training for Site Coordinators to assist in managing VITA sites.

Attend and complete Tax Wise tax preparation training course to attain tax preparation certification.

 AmeriCorps Member Qualifications:

Strong time management skills and the ability to balance multiple tasks.

Comfort using Microsoft Word, Excel, and Internet navigation.

Desire to serve people living with limited resources.

Bi-lingual in Spanish or Navajo is desirable.

Flexibility, thoroughness and the ability to manage multiple tasks.

During the tax season (January - April 15th), requires a flexible schedule and will include evening and weekend hours.

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