Volunter Information

Why Volunteer?
Every year, millions of dollars are lost to hard-working individuals and families in the Lexington are who do not file their Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) at tax time.  That money is lost to them and to the local economy.  Additionally, millions of dollars are lost when area households pay high fees to commercial tax preparation firms that charge for preparing returns as well as for the Refund Anticipation Loans (RALs) or rapid refunds.

Do I need experience to volunteer?
Volunteers need to be comfortable with using a computer.  No Accounting Experience is Needed. Tax software guides you every step of the way.  Anyone interested in helping out can be a volunteer!  New volunteers will take our basic training course (see below for more details).

Is there training available?
Volunteers will receive free training in December or January at their convenience.  Training classes and computer labs are designed to provide volunteers with the appropriate level of training based on their previous knowledge and experience.

Basic Training: Two 4-hour sessions for new volunteers.
Basic Refresher Training: One 4-hour session for returning volunteers.
Intermediate Training: One 2-hour session for any volunteer interested in preparing taxes at the intermediate level.
Online Training: Online training available for returning volunteers.
Computer Lab: Instructors will be available to help volunteers with training, additional practice and certification preparation.

Please see the links at the bottom of the screen for a trainings schedule, volunteer registration form and training registration forms.  

No liability to volunteers: all volunteers need to pass a test administered by the IRS prior to volunteering which makes them eligible to prepare taxes and covers liability.  Information needed to pass the test will be covered in the above training sessions.  Upon passing the test, the volunteer will receive certification from the IRS indicating which type returns they can prepare. Volunteers are covered under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997. This exempts the volunteer from any liabilities when acting within their capacity as a volunteer for CKEEP.

When are volunteers needed?
Volunteers are needed at the end of January through April 15, 2009.  Volunteers are asked to commit 2-4 hours per week.  We are in need of volunteers during daytime, evening and Saturday hours.  

Where do I go to volunteer?
CKEEP has 14 tax sites in the Lexington area, and we will try to match you with the one that is most convenient for you.

What forms do I need to fill in?

Volunteer Enrollment Form
Training Registration (Click here to see the training schedule.)