How to Offer Tax Preparation Assistance Services at your Agency. Leya Speasmaker Capacity Building

Transcription

1 How to Offer Tax Preparation Assistance Services at your Agency Leya Speasmaker Capacity Building

2 Speakers Leya Speasmaker, Integration Program Manager, CLINIC Kimberly Pine, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio Frank Sanchez, Telamon Corporation Alma Vazquez, Catholic Charities of East Tennessee

3 *Slides will be sent to attendees at the conclusion of the presentation. *Slides and recorded audio will be posted on s-type/webinars 3

4 The Bigger Picture Where migrants and refugees are concerned, the Church and her various agencies ought to avoid offering charitable services alone; they are also called to promote real integration in a society where all are active members and responsible for one another s welfare Message of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI for the World Day of Migrants and Refugees. (2013). Last retrieved on November 20, 2014.

5 Immigrant Integration A dynamic, two-way process in which newcomers and the receiving society work together to build secure, vibrant and cohesive communities. (Grantmakers Concerned with Immigrants & Refugees)

6 Why Pursue Integration Initiatives? Integration is the main goal Local initiatives are the most successful Missed opportunities with past large-scale law changes AR is here!

7 Why Taxes? Show good moral character Proof of residence through willingness to pay taxes Common area of fraud Avoid notarios Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs) increase debt Financial Literacy = Increased Integration

8 Terminology Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) IRS-sponsored Community-based Free tax preparation assistance for lower income individuals and families Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Available for eligible low-income working families Credit depends on income, number of children Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) Tax-processing number used by IRS For those ineligible for a SSN

9 What s a VITA Site? IRS-sponsored, community-based site for tax assistance Non English-speakers can access the services Individuals making less than $53,000 gross income Materials and training are provided by the IRS VITA grants available for non-profits, state and local governments and coalitions Sponsoring agency does fund some of the expenses Find one here: Tax-Return-Preparation-for-You-by-Volunteers

10 ITIN Acceptance Agents Individual, business or organization authorized by IRS to assist individuals in obtaining ITINs Allows immigrants to complete ITIN application and tax return in one place Apply to become an ITIN Acceptance Agency Take mandatory training Use IRS form to apply May 1 August 31 Complete forensic training to identify false documents Agent-Program-Changes

11 Determine local need Determine what you can offer Funding VITA grants & partnerships Factor in location costs Will you need paid staff? How many? Recruit volunteers Training, materials, software, technical assistance needed Marketing Interested?

12 Alma Vazquez Catholic Charities of East Tennessee Johnson City, TN

13 Catholic Charities of East Tennessee Introduction A brief overview of the model How the program got started Why this model works Benefits to the community and agency New aspects of the program for tax season 2015 Helpful resources/partnerships that have benefited the program

14 Kimberly Pine Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of San Antonio San Antonio, TX

15 Serve individuals and families who make $60,000 or less 20 VITA Sites Seasonal 2 Year Round Tax Clinics CCAOSA & COSA 2 Mobile Teams CCAOSA & COSA

16 VITA San Antonio Coalition In 2001 the IRS turned the operation of VITA over to local communities In 2002 Catholic Charities, United Way, and the City of San Antonio merged together. In 2006, Catholic Charities, United Way, and the City of San Antonio incorporated various partners which is known as the VITA San Antonio Coalition.

17 IRS- VITA Grant opportunity Provide training material Roles United Way- Funding Media & Marketing SAVE USA Program Catholic Charities Archdiocese of San Antonio- Funding Recruitment Training Placement Year Round Tax Clinic Mobile Team City of San Antonio- Funding Site Operations 20 VITA Sites Year Round Tax Clinic Mobile Team

18 VITA Media & Marketing

19 VITA Outcomes Prepared over 32,500 tax returns $58 million in tax refunds Saved $7.2 million tax preparation fees Over 300 certified volunteers Total volunteer hours 10,196

20 VITA 2015 Tax Season Facilitated Self Assistance Sites (FSA) Express Lanes Drop off Sites ITIN Application Assistance

21 Frank Sanchez Telamon Corporation Raleigh, NC

22 Telamon Challenges Rural, mobile customer base Limited language capability Multi state, 110+ offices and centers

23 Create Awareness Early, Frequent Communication (starts in November) Access to customers ( , text, social media) Language targeted materials Inform & familiarize staff

24 Highlight Benefits Free Service, quality product vs for profit mainline preparers vs notarios Earned Income Tax Credits Immigration Proof of income for Affidavit of Support Possible future requirements

25 Considerations Year long commitment Heavy reliance on volunteers You can start small Partnerships are key Marketing is vital to success Devoted staff so person is accountable

26 CLINIC Resources Building Welcoming Communities section of cliniclegal.org Citizenship Test Preparation Program Self Assessment Creating a Workplace ELL Program Assisting Clients in Complying with Tax Filing Requirements

27 Center for Immigrant Integration Resources on: General Integration information Tax assistance services ESL Citizenship test prep Other models