Description
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grant program provides funding to organizations that offer free tax preparation services to low-to-moderate-income individuals, persons with disabilities, and the elderly. The program aims to increase the capacity to file returns electronically, heighten quality control, enhance training of volunteers, and improve the accuracy rate of returns prepared at VITA sites. The grant recipients are expected to achieve 100% of the return goal specified in their grant agreements and demonstrate incremental increases in return preparation each year. The grant program is open annually, and the IRS anticipates awarding grants by October 1. The grant recipients must operate within the established guidelines and requirements of the VITA Program, including providing volunteer tax preparation services free of charge, filing all eligible returns electronically, and ensuring volunteers are properly trained.
• The VITA program offers three methods of tax return preparation: traditional, virtual, and facilitated self-assistance.
• The IRS provides tax preparation software for its tax preparation sites free of charge.
• Volunteers must complete their certifications using the IRS electronic tests through Link & Learn Taxes.
• The grant recipients must ensure appropriate record keeping is in place for completing all grant reporting, including the final report narrative.
• The grant program has a period of performance from October 1 to September 30.
• The grant recipients are expected to show incremental increases in return preparation each year.
• The grant program is subject to congressional appropriation, and funding is subject to availability.