The Creating Assets, Savings and Hope (CA$H) tax assistance program is seeking volunteer tax preparers, receptionists and screeners for the 2012 tax filing season. Training will be held this fall, and tax preparation begins early next year.

CA$H provides tax assistance for individuals and families that make less than $49,000 a year. The program is free and is offered at sites across Chemung, Steuben and Schuyler counties.

Volunteer tax preparers must possess basic math skills, and some experience doing taxes is helpful. All preparers receive IRS training, and are required to IRS certify, attend site orientation, complete practice returns in the tax preparation software and do their first returns under direct supervision. The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 protects volunteers against liability for returns prepared within their scope of IRS certification.

Volunteer receptionists and screeners must have good people skills and will also receive training and orientation prior to the tax season.�@

All volunteers may choose the location and hours that are most convenient for them. Shifts are typically three to four hours in the afternoon, at night or Saturday mornings.

Interested volunteers may sign up at the Give Help site or by calling 936-3984. �@

CA$H is sponsored, in part, by a grant from the Internal Revenue Service, Stakeholder Partnerships, Education and Communication (SPEC) Division, and Bank of America.