VITA/TEC Tax Course?

Question

I'm just wondering if anyone's completed the 2006 VITA/TCE Form 274 Volunteer Assistor's Test recently. This is the first year I've volunteered, and a lot of it seems over whelming. Just looking to see how many peope's attempted it, and if they'd be able to provide assistance on a couple questions.

Answer 1

I took the Form 6744 volunteer assister's test recently as part of VITA/TCE training, and yes, it's a tough one. I was real glad when I passed all the sections, and I've been a TCE volunteer for many years.

Is the form 274 you mention the online one? I tried to do the do-it-yourself course a couple times - it was on paper then - but finally went to the formal classes. They're very helpful, although a lot does depend on your instructor. In the classes, you get a lot of info from the other people in the class. In the one I go to, most of the people have been doing this for years (I'm 63 and am the "baby" of the group). I go every year, for the whole class, not just the refresher, and most of the people in the area I work in do the same.

First year is kind of overwhelming, at least the classes and especially the test. Stick with it - it gets easier after awhile, and the service is definitely needed, and needs volunteers for it to continue. And when you get out there actually doing taxes for people, you'll be surprised at how much you know. On the test you have to do it all manually. Do you get a laptop for the season? I do, and get the TaxWise software - it's really nice, easy to use. I used my own personal laptop until this year, but this year got an IRS one, so mine won't take the beating of being carried around to the four sites I work at.

Welcome to the program - it's a really good service. When you see the people who come in, many of whom are living on not much income, you'll realize what a valuable service you're doing. Otherwise most of them would be paying $100 that they don't have to a preparer who probably knows a lot less than you do. And most of the people who come in have pretty straightforward returns. If you get something complicated, you can ask someone else at your site to be sure. We do that whenever we hit something unusual, and it's very helpful.

Good luck.