For income tax training which will begin in January 2009, we will soon be accepting CCB students as volunteers into the VITA program, a federal income tax return assistance program. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a cooperative effort by the Internal Revenue Service and many individual states, including Massachusetts, to provide income tax assistance to low-income individuals, handicapped or elderly. Volunteers trained by the Internal Revenue Service prepare basic income tax returns free of charge at VITA sites. Our local site is at the CEDC in New Bedford. ON NOVEMBER 12, 2008 at 11:00 am and Noon, we will be holding an INFORMATION SESSION on the VITA program in room 306 of the Charlton College of Business. We will answer questions about how you can apply for a VITA/CEDC New Bedford Internship for the Spring 2009 semester.
The VITA program is also accepting volunteers for the Spring 2009 semester. Here's a link to an IRS web page that describes the program: http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html
This is a program that helps our local residents in two ways: it gives them assistance in preparing their tax returns and it helps them take advantage of the earned income credit - a bit of an economic boost that can help these folks make ends meet. For a student, this is a great way to give back to the community, create an significant resume item that shows civic engagement and a desire to learn something new (and practical), and allows you to achieve an IRS exam certification. From this year's VITA program, There is a good chance that we will be able to structure 2-or 3 internships for juniors or seniors (3 credits for a business elective).
For some who participate in the VITA program and carry out this volunteer commitment, there could be a small ($300-$400) tuition reduction through a UMD program. However, the real motivating factor for your participation in this program is not financial but rather, the opportunity to help some people who need your help , while at the same time learning a great deal about federal income tax and the workings of a great nonprofit like the CEDC.
For your information, the CEDC's mission is as follows: The Community Economic Development Center of Southeastern Massachusetts seeks to create a more just local economy by building bridges to resources, networks, and cooperative action for adults, youth, aspiring entrepreneurs, working families, grassroots organizations, and immigrant workers members of our community. The work of the CEDC is created and directed by the people who will benefit most from its success. CEDC challenges economic and political institutions and policies that exclude full participation and access to power by all members of our community. Please email me and let me know which session on Nov. 12th you would like to attend. We will meet at 11:00 am and then again at noon.
