United Way of the Southern Tier

Volunteering for the CA$H program

Do you want to feel good at tax time?

CA$H is seeking individuals to join its team of volunteer tax preparers and receptionists. Opportunities are available in all areas of Chemung, Schuyler and Steuben counties, especially in Bath, Corning, Elmira, Hornell and Horseheads.

If, after reading this information, you decide you would like to be a CA$H volunteer, please sign up as soon as possible so you are able to attend fall trainings. See "Becoming a volunteer" below for information on signing up.

Why volunteer?

It's easy!
If you have balanced a checkbook or done your own taxes, you can be a volunteer tax preparer! No accounting experience is needed; the software will guide you every step of the way. If you are more interested in customer service, we have a special need for volunteer receptionist/greeters at the larger CA$H sites in Corning and Elmira.
It's convenient!
Volunteer as much or as little as you like! You can decide how often you want to volunteer, and you choose the times and location that work for you. Evening and daytime hours are available, and CA$H sites are available across the Southern Tier.
You are protected!
Clients sign their own tax returns and are personally responsible for providing accurate information to the CA$H volunteers. The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 protects volunteers for liability for returns prepared within their scope of IRS certification.

What to expect as a CA$H volunteer

A tax session "shift" is usually a 3-4 hour period in the afternoon, evening or Saturday morning. Some one-day sites include morning appointments on weekdays. Preparers are asked to work two sessions a week. In February there is a high demand for extra preparers and working at least one additional shift would be welcomed and appreciated. Each CA$H site sets its own schedule for tax appointments based on the availability of volunteer preparers. Once volunteers have scheduled their hours for 4-6 weeks going forward, tax appointments are booked based on the overall site appointment schedule. It is important that volunteers notify their site coordinators of changes in their availability.

Prior to the tax season, each preparer is required to certify as a VITA Income Tax Preparer. In addition, volunteers are required to attend site orientation, complete practice returns in the tax preparation software, and do their first returns under direct supervision.

The site coordinator will designate someone to oversee the site management for each shift and designate an onsite tax consultant for that shift. (Some days it may be the same person.) A tax resource person is always available by phone.

Becoming a volunteer

If you are a new volunteer, please complete the 2011 Volunteer Intake Form and the 2011 New Volunteer Interview Form and mail to:

Judy Prentice
c/o United Way of the Southern Tier
300 Nasser Civic Center Plaza, Suite 220
Corning, NY 14830

If you are a returning volunteer, please complete the 2011 Volunteer Intake Form and return it to your site coordinator.

All volunteers must complete IRS training and certification.

Questions? or call the CA$H program at (607) 936-3984.

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