Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
Sponsored by IRS
Deadline: Monday, May 15, 2023 by 11:59pm EST
Overview
Prize/Award
Non-Contact Process Award – Recognizes BAP chapters that participated in non-traditional methods listed below.
Return Preparation – Recognizes BAP chapters that prepared more than 500 returns (combination of Traditional, non-Contact, and 1040NR/EZ)
1040NR/EZ Preparation – Recognizes BAP chapters that prepare 1040NR/EZ returns
*Ad Hoc Event - Recognizes BAP chapters that host special one-time high impact free income tax preparation event. This could be traditional or "non-contact" such as self-help.
Regional Award – Recognizes regions that have at least 40% chapters participation in VITA Program
Volunteer Hours – Recognizes the top three BAP Chapters with the most VITA volunteer hours.
1) Sites coordinated by BAP chapter
2) Sites coordinated by community partner
Superior Award – Presented to the best performing BAP chapter that excelled in VITA return preparation and volunteer hours.
Eligibility
Process
- Traditional – Chapter members provide free income tax preparation assistance to chapter members, students, and the community. These sites are generally located on campus.
- Facilitated Self Assistant (FSA) – Allows students to prepare and electronically file their own tax return with the aid of a VITA certified volunteer, if needed.
- Virtual – Taxpayers and student volunteers are not in the same location. Tax documents are securely transmitted to VITA site for preparation.
- Drop-Off – Return documents are dropped off at VITA site and prepared at later time.
- Remotely via the Internet – VITA Software is placed chapter’s website for students to prepare their own returns. BAP certified volunteers should be available to provide assistance, if needed.
- File/Screen Sharing – Via a secured electronic method, taxpayers and student volunteers use a screen sharing platform for return preparation.
Each return prepared through these methods are added to the overall return preparation numbers for special recognition considerations.
Award Process
Contact
Reports
VITA Reports are due Monday, May 15, 2023. Please complete the form here.
Other Information
- PDF version of the PowerPoint used during 2022 Annual Meeting VITA session 2022 Annual Meeeting PPT Presentation from VITA session
- For those participating the traditional way, please refer to the IRS Volunteer Site Coordinator Handbook for guidance.
Other ways to participate in VITA to give back to the community
Read this article from the IRS about how to volunteer as a tax preparer to gain skills and help the community.
Throughout this report, you will find that Beta Alpha Psi is proud of the members, alumni, faculty advisors, Professional Partners, Board of Directors, Chapter Advocates and every volunteer that contributes to the success of this organization. Learn More Here.
Hear what our Professional Partners think about BAP!
WSCPA values our fellow membership organization for their key contributions and commitment to the accounting and finance professions. From community service projects and hours that aid their communities through initiatives like VITA, partner volunteer days, student peer tutoring, or financial education they demonstrate their commitment to advancing students, building networks and serving the community. All of these demonstrate the professionalism and inherent traits we see in our CPA community. Thanks for building the next generation of professional leadership!
Monette Anderson
Washington Society of CPAs
