VITA Tax Site Intern - Unpaid
 International Rescue Committee | |
 United States, New York, New York | |
| 122 East 42nd Street (Show on map) | |
 Nov 15, 2024 | |
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The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future. The IRC operates a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to provide FREE tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income families who cannot afford to pay $200+ for a tax return. As a tax site intern, you will provide invaluable assistance to refugee and asylum-seeking families, as well as other low-income individuals and families, by preparing their taxes for free and connecting them with other IRC resources when appropriate, including translation services. You will work one-on-one with clients helping them to navigate the ins and outs of tax preparation, with the support and training necessary to do so. You will also work directly with VITA volunteers and the VITA Site Coordinator to ensure that all systems and operations run smoothly during tax season.
NO PREVIOUS TAX EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! If selected as an intern, the IRC will provide you with training that results in your certification as a volunteer income tax preparer. This training involves a self-directed online curriculum before your placement begins. This is an excellent opportunity to gain skills in tax preparation while providing invaluable help to families and individuals needing your expertise. Responsibilities: * Work directly with the VITA Site Coordinator and Economic Empowerment Supervisor to coordinate VITA services, including communicating with clients and volunteers and providing on-site support * Greet clients and help them check-in for appointments, including conducting screening assessments and assisting them with filling out forms * Prepare Federal tax returns for refugee and low-income populations * Perform quality reviews to ensure returns are prepared correctly * Answer phone calls * Schedule client appointments * Scan and upload documents as needed * Work with interpreters Minimum Qualifications:Qualifications: * Proficiency in spoken and written English * Basic computer skills * Second language skills a plus (Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, or another primary language spoken by refugee populations) * Ability to work in-person at the IRC Dallas office and/or tax site location (will be located near the office) * No tax experience necessary - training and certification will be provided Training/Preparation: * Attend VITA tax training (virtual, less than 10 hours total, can be counted as part of internship hours) * Pass IRS certification exam (Advanced level only) Dates Needed/Minimum Commitment: * Schedule is flexible, but interns must be available in-person at least 15 hours per week on a consistent basis * Service is done in-person at the IRC Office and/or tax site location * Training/certification process begins in November/December 2024, and tax site responsibilities begin mid-January through the end of April 2025, with the possibility to extend through the end of May 2025 * Minimum 15 hours of service per week once tax season begins, THIS POSITION IS UNPAID Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way - our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.
Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures. | |