The Regions Institute for Financial Education opens a new website (RIFE) is looking for volunteers to assist community members with filing income taxes.
Faculty, staff and students looking to give back to the community can work as many or as few hours as desired after passing a tax certification test. Self-study training is available online. No previous tax experience is required.
RIFE began assisting with income tax preparation January 25 as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program opens a new website in conjunction with the IRS and will continue through the semester. Tax preparation will be provided free of charge for those who make less than $57,000 a year and those 60 and older. Access to free tax preparation software is open to those who make $73,000 or less.
Volunteers can either work with clients in person in the CSB's RIFE Suite or prepare dropped off returns on their own.
Volunteers are also required to:
- Read, speak and write English fluently
- Assist and interview the public in a helpful manner
- Have experience working with people from different cultures, abilities and economic backgrounds
- Have strong communication and organizational skills
- Have operational knowledge of Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel and the Windows operating system
- Work some nights and weekends
Those interested in volunteering can call (205) 996-0884.