FAQs
Volunteer FAQs
Q: How do I become a volunteer?
Becoming a volunteer is easy! No experience is necessary and since the Campaign falls under the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, all liability associated with tax preparation is eliminated for volunteers.
Q: Is any experience required to volunteer?
No experience is necessary. The only requirement is attending an 8-hour training course (Financial Resource Coordinators and Tax Preparers only).
Q: Do I have to prepare taxes?
There are many ways to help, we welcome all types of volunteers, ages 16 and up. See our Volunteer Job Descriptions for more information.
Q: Where are the tax sites located?
There are many sites throughout the state of Delaware. Please check back soon for a complete list of locations, dates, and times.
Q: What is the time commitment?
Though most volunteers commit 3-4 hours per week, we will work with any schedule.
Tax Preparation FAQs
Q: Why offer free tax preparation?
Families that qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) can receive as much as $5,600 back, which can increase the household income by as much as 35%. In fact, the EITC brings more children out of poverty each year than any other federal program. Unfortunately, the fees many commercial preparers charge for tax preparation and refund anticipation loans greatly diminish the impact of the EITC for families that qualify. To help those who truly need it keep ALL of their refund, the Campaign offers free tax preparation. In addition, offering free tax preparation provides an opportunity to inform customers of other financial services and asset building avenues available to them.
Q: What should I bring?
If your household income is under $50,000 with dependents, or under $25,000 without dependents, then you should bring:
- W-2s and 1099s from your employer
- Social Security Cards (for yourself, spouse, children and other dependents)
- Copy of last years tax return
- List of other income / expenses (if itemizing deductions)
- Childcare information (providers ID number & receipts for amount paid)
- Blank check or savings account information for direct deposit
- 1099s for interest, dividends, unemployment, government and miscellaneous income
- 1098s for student loan interest, mortgage interest, or property tax
! Please Note: We do NOT do taxes for individuals or families that make over $50,000 with dependents, $25,000 without dependents, or business returns for corporations.
EVERYONE, even returning customers ARE REQUIRED to bring social security cards for everyone in the household – this is a new requirement!