VITA e³

Does your school have a community service requirement for graduates? Are you looking for a way to connect tax education to the real world? Is your school interested in giving back to your community through a community outreach effort? Are you struggling with much-needed life skills, such as filing your tax returns?

If you answered yes to any of the questions above, IRS has the program for you! We are looking for schools to host a VITA/e-file site during the next tax-filing season. This program offers basic income tax preparation assistance for individuals of low- to moderate-income, individuals with disabilities, non-English speaking taxpayers, and the elderly within your community. Your students and other volunteers will be trained to help prepare basic tax returns electronically by working through modules on their own or by attending a classroom- like session. To learn more about this program, check out the following materials:   Learn How Your School Can Participate! Contact an IRS SPEC Territory Manager at 1-800-829-1040 or write to: Internal Revenue Service Area Distribution Center (ADC) P.O. Box 1600 Rancho Cardova, California 95741 Attn: SPEC Territory Manager

materials: Slide Show: A presentation describing the VITA e3 program and its benefits to educators and students. Download Brochure: A short overview of the VITA e3 program. Download Booklet: A detailed description of how schools can participate in the VITA e3 program, including a timeline of next steps for becoming a VITA e3 site. Download

What One High School Has to Say . . .

Oakwood High School in Marietta, Georgia, knows all about volunteering. A group of students, led by their business teacher, participated in the VITA Program. Over the last three years, more than 40 students have participated in the VITA and e-file training and prepared hundreds of tax returns.

Oakwood High School Does Double Duty!

Oakwood High School in Marietta, GA, in cooperation with SPEC Atlanta hosts a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site for a fourth consecutive year. During the previous three filing seasons, over 40 students participated in a special class resulting in the preparation of over 400 tax returns. Under the leadership of Business Education teacher Michael Devault and Economics teacher Mandy Mooney, students are taught tax law, given training in the use tax preparation software, and explore related careers in business.

Tax preparation at Oakwood began primarily as service to its students. Since many of the school's students have part-time jobs, the need for a free tax service is great. But the program has evolved into a community service project. Oakwood has opened its doors to the general community and non-students represent more than 60% of its tax clientele. During the 2005 filing season, 150 tax returns were successfully completed. Oakwood tax assistors also act as interpreters for its Hispanic clients and help to entertain young children while parents receive help. Oakwood's students feel great pride in being able to help others with their tax expertise.

Oakwood is an open campus high school that accepts students from all Cobb County schools. Many of Oakwood's students have not been academically successful and/or have experienced difficult situations outside the school environment causing them to be behind schedule for graduation. Oakwood is located in the central part of Cobb County, has a student population of close to 350 and is certified by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

We can count on a bright future with young people giving of their time, talent and energy to make a difference in their community. Thanks to Oakwood High School for serving double duty as a place for formal education and life learning experience.