She considers the experience to be extremely valuable. If you want a job in accounting, you have to have experience with tax preparation, said Auvil. VITA is a good way to get the experience for those who can t do an internship with an accounting firm. The local accounting firm of Brown and Armstrong has hired Auvil, who is scheduled to graduate in June. Student volunteers attend special training sessions where they learn the most current information about electronic tax filing.
Volunteers prepare short and long tax forms.
VITA volunteers rarely turn down a client, however, if the returns are complicated involving rental properties or small businesses the client may need to seek assistance elsewhere. We can provide them with the answers while maintaining their anonymity, says Auvil. The IRS provides CSUB with the software programs needed to file returns. Volunteers occasionally use IRS experts to clarify the validity of questionable deductions or unusual returns. Program expenses include the printing of forms and publicity materials, postage, phone calls and a modest lunch each week for the volunteers.