The Woodward News

Local News

November 7, 2012

Volunteers needed for tax assistance

Gary Engel Woodward News

Woodward, Okla. — OKLAHOMA CITY - The Internal Revenue Service is looking for local volunteers who are interested in learning more about taxes so they can help others prepare their income tax filings.

Online volunteer sign-up is available now, with training for the tax volunteers to begin in January.

The volunteer tax aids will then start helping clients in February.

It is all part of the IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

David Stell, IRS spokesman for Oklahoma/Arkansas, said the IRS is looking to wrap up its volunteer enrollment by the end of the year, "but the sooner the better."

Those who sign up to become VITA preparers don't have to have a financial or tax background, he said.

"They just have to like helping others with tax preparation, and be interested in learning about taxes," Stell said.

However, he said that at least 4 local people have to apply to become VITA preparers before a training session can be scheduled.  Once the training is complete, the IRS will work with the volunteers to determine which dates they are available to help clients.

If the volunteers wish, they may continue to offer tax preparation assistance right up until the 2013 deadline, which is April 15.

"Again, it's up to the volunteers to make that decision," he said.

Stell said for more information about volunteering, or to obtain a copy of Form 14310, which is needed to apply to be a volunteer tax preparer, visit the IRS volunteer webpage at www.irs.gov/Individuals/Volunteer-in-Your-Community.

The application form may be submitted online or mailed to IRS VITA, Attn. P. Byerly, Stop 1040, 55 N. Robinson Ave., Oklahoma City, OK 73102.

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