Tax Tidbits
MACPA Volunteer Tax Assistance Program Back for Second Year
Volunteer Today to Help Those in Need

Because of last year’s success with the program, the MACPA, in conjunction with its Communications Task Force, is once again hosting a site for the Volunteer Tax Assistance Program through the Volunteer Assistance Service Team of Michigan (VAST) (formerly Accounting Aid Society).

VAST’s Tax Assistance Program is among the nation's largest free tax assistance programs serving people in poverty. More than 6,700 families living in poverty received income tax refunds and tax credits through the Tax Assistance Program this year. More than $6.4 million was returned directly to low-income residents in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Last year, MACPA members, including upper-level college accounting students, completed tax returns from start to finish for low-income individuals and families; many of whom were not aware of their eligibility for income tax refunds and special credits. You can make a difference by sharing your expertise with people who can’t afford the valuable advice of an accountant. Last year’s two-day MACPA program put nearly $100,000 in refunds back into the Detroit community.

We’d like you to be a part of this wonderful community service program – so e-mail or call the MACPA Communications Department at 248.267.3700 and sign-up to volunteer! The official program dates have not been set, but they will occur early in the tax season – approximately end of January/early February.

Volunteers must attend a training session that explains the software used, typical client situations and tax updates. Experienced tax professionals may attend an abbreviated session lasting from two or four hours. CPE credit will be offered for volunteers attending these training sessions.

Reach out to those in need, sharing your financial expertise through tax preparation by volunteering for this program.

This tax season public service initiative will complement out-state assistance programs held annually through MACPA support. The 2005 dates have yet to be scheduled.

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