Pro Bono Opportunity
Are you looking for a pro bono opportunity where you can use your tax expertise? The NCBA Tax Section is looking for tax attorneys to train selected military personnel to be tax return preparers through the Military Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.
The Military VITA Program is designed to assist US military personnel with preparation of federal and state tax returns and thereby save US military families the cost of tax return preparation and, in many instances, receive tax refunds. Many US military families are unfamiliar with federal and state tax requirements and how to file a complete and accurate tax returns and, accordingly, need help in preparing their personal income tax returns.
The VITA program assists military personnel to file their personal income tax returns at no cost. Volunteer tax attorneys provide their time and expertise to train selected military personnel to be tax return preparers for their fellow soldiers, and in doing so show our appreciation and support for those serving in the US military.
Below are the dates for the 2019-2020 military training filing season for the three military installations the NCBA Tax section supports:
- December 2–4 for Camp Johnson (which is near Camp Lejeune)
- December 4–6 for Fort Bragg
- January 13–15 for Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
Volunteers typically co-teach for 1 day with a veteran instructor. Volunteers also have to take certification tests prior to teaching that take approximately 8 to 10 hours of preparation. For more information, click this link to view an article published by the NC Bar Foundation featuring our volunteers. https://www.ncbarfoundation.org/our-stories/adopt-a-base/
If you are interested and available to instruct for one the days listed above, please contact Helen Herbert ([email protected]) for additional information. There is grant money available to offset out-of-pocket travel expenses.
Helen Herbert is chair of the Pro Bono Committee for the NCBA Tax Council