VITA Project: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Certification

School: Louisiana State University - Course: ACCT 3221 - Subject: Accounting

VITA Project ACCT 3221 Due Monday, March 20, 2023 20 points The goal of this project is to certify all students in the class as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program volunteers. The VITA program was established in 1971 by the IRS and is current run in conjunction with charities and tax filing sites to provide services to taxpayers. The VITA program offers free tax prep by IRS certified volunteers (soon to be you) to low-income individuals, persons with disabilities, and veterans and students. Its primary objective is to help taxpayers file their taxes and make sure that they receive credits that are owed to them, such as the earned income tax credit. To receive full points for this project you are not required to actually volunteer. Additional details are provided below. Requirements and Steps: Making an Account 1.You must make an account with the IRS through their Link&Learn certification system: https://www.linklearncertification.com/d/ a.You must select "01 - VITA volunteer" when prompted to select a volunteer group when setting up your account. b.Select "yes" for "Do you plan to volunteer in the VITA/TCE program?" c.Your first and last name MUST match the name on your government issued photo ID d.For "years you have volunteered" select "1" if this is your first year ("2" if second year) 2.The VITA program requires volunteers to completeannualtraining in order to complete tax returns. All training activities are located on the Link&Learn platform. Three Trainings 3.There are three trainings and exams: Volunteer Standards of Conduct Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Advanced Tax Training. YOU MUST COMPLETE ALL THREE TRAININGS TO RECEIVE FULL CREDIT. FAILURE TO COMPLTE THE CORRECT TRAININGS WILL RESULT IN0 POINTS. NO LATE SUBMISSIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED. 1

Important: ***You CANNOT complete the Circular 230 training unless you already have a CPA license or have passed the Bar (following law school). Please see me prior to the deadline if one of these two conditions apply. ***If you are a RETURNING VITA volunteer you must still complete all three trainings for the current year.That is, you must complete the Volunteer Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Advanced Tax Training. Youwill notreceive credit if you complete the Qualified Experienced Volunteer (QEV) training. This training is not accepted at all VITA sites. Make sure to verify that all previous account information is correct, including your name and years of service. Click on "My Account" to verify and update your information.