VITA Volunteer Information

Learn about the EITC

To be an effective VITA volunteer requires an intimate understanding of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Learn more about the EITC with the following resources:

• EITC lecture notes (PDF)
• "The Impact of the Earned Income Tax Credit on Economic Well-Being: A Comparison Across Household Types" (PDF)
• "The Earned Income Tax Credit, Lifecycle Income, and Marginal Tax Rates" (PDF)

Testing and Training

To assist others with their tax returns as a part of the VITA program you must first pass the online Link-n-Learn test offered by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). We recommend that you complete this test over winter break. Do not wait until the last minute to take the test -- it takes some time!

• For new volunteers: Go through the Basic menu only, and then take the Online Test
• For returning volunteers: Go through the changes for Basic volunteers and then take the Online Test.

You must pass the score with a test of 80 percent or better. Upon completion of the course print your course certificate and volunteer agreement.

In January we will hold a mandatory training session, immediately following winter break. All volunteers, both new and returning, must attend this training. Bring your printed course certificate and volunteer agreement with you to this session.