In This Issue (The Training Issue):
CTA receives grant
Training Information
Training Dates/Time
Training Classes: Basic Intermediate Advanced/Manager
Storefront Locations
Computer Class
Suggested Reading
In Case of Severe Weather
Additional Training You Can Do On Your Own
CTA RECEIVES GRANT
As part of our fundraising initiative, CTA reached out to Santander Bank requesting a grant to help support our daily operations. Santander contacted CTA on November 18th with some good news. The bank has approved our request for funds. This grant will be used to purchase a portable wireless internet hotspot and to obtain a short-term monthly internet plan. These necessary purchases will help CTA keep our computers updated. And with portability, CTA can easily move these items to any of our storefronts that need their computers updated. CTA would like to thank Santander Bank and Michael Jones of Santander’s Community Affairs department for this generous gesture.
Back to Top
TO ALL 2016 VOLUNTEERS: HERE IS WHAT YOU NEED TO DO
- Read this newsletter.
- Select which class date(s) that work best for your schedule.
- Obtain the suggested reference materials listed below.
- Show up at class with this newsletter. Make sure to bring paper, a pen and a calculator with you to class. Additional class materials will be available at training.
- Select a storefront location at training. A volunteer application will be available for you to notify us of your choice.
Back to Top
TRAINING: DATES
For all volunteers, training dates are as follows:
Choose between #s 1 or 2 below:
1. A one-day session on Saturday January 30. 9am-5pm
Location: Fordham University Law School, 150 West 62nd Street.
Enter via the 62nd St entrance. Classroom locations will be posted there.
CPE credit given: 7 CPE credits.
Free coffee, water, donuts and snacks will be available.
Or, you can choose
2. Two Monday evening sessions 6pm-9pm
Dates: Monday, January 25 and Monday Feb 1 (both dates are mandatory)
Location: Fountain House, 425 West 47th Street (between 9th and 10th Avenues).
CPE credit given: 6 CPE credits.
Free refreshments will be available.
Back to Top
TRAINING: CLASSES
All volunteers, regardless of experience level, must attend training. The class you are assigned to is based on your years of experience with CTA.
BASIC – Everyone is invited to Basic Training. COURSE CONTENT – This class consists of an introduction to CTA and a review of Federal and New York tax rules with special emphasis on the low-income individual. In addition, we will review interviewing techniques, including live scenarios. Finally, we have a walk through of the preparation of a mock tax return using our tax software.
INTERMEDIATE – Due to scheduling issues, this class is not being given this year. For those who attended this class last year, you have your choice of attending the Basic class or the Advanced/Manager class.
ADVANCED/MANAGERS – By invitation only. This class is open to our most experienced volunteers and those who manage our storefronts. COURSE CONTENT – Attendees will receive a review of complex Federal (ex. The Affordable Care Act) and New York tax rules. In addition, prior year tax returns prepared by CTA will be discussed.
ATTENTION CPAs: Each class has been approved for Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credit as indicated. However, credit for training will be granted only after completing eight (8) hours at any one or combination of storefront locations.
Please bring this newsletter with you to training. It serves as your invitation.
Back to Top
TRAINING: STOREFRONT LOCATIONS
Once volunteers have attended training, they will be assigned a storefront based on the preference they indicate. A storefront is space donated by local community groups who allow us to prepare tax returns for low-income individuals. Single taxpayers who earn $25,000 or less and families making $55,000 or less constitute CTA’s clientele. We do not charge a fee for our service.
We have storefront locations in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn and Queens. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE http://www.communitytaxaidnyc.org/sites-locations FOR UPDATED INFO ON SCHEDULE AND LOCATIONS.
Back to Top
TRAINING: COMPUTER CLASS – LIMITED SPACE; NOT MANDATORY: FEB 8TH
A special training class devoted solely to using our computer software will be given again this year. This class will be held on Mon February 8 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm, at Fountain House, 425 West 47th Street (between 9th and 10th Avenues.). THIS CLASS IS OPEN TO THOSE WHO ATTEND THE BASIC TRAINING CLASS AND DO NOT HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH OUR TAXSLAYER SOFTWARE. More details regarding this special class will be given at the Basic class.
Back to Top
TRAINING DETAILS – SUGGESTED READING
FEDERAL – IRS Publication 17, Your Federal Income Tax, is free from the IRS. You can download this publication by visiting the IRS website at https://www.irs.gov/uac/About-Publication-17 Please review chapters 2 and 3 of this publication. While not mandatory, reviewing the materials before class will help you grasp some concepts being discussed.
Back to Top
TRAINING – IN CASE OF SEVERE WEATHER
In case of severe storms, please call our answering machine at 646.200.5080 to hear if we are changing times, dates or canceling the session. We will have last minute information by 5pm for the Monday training, and 7am for the Saturday training. We will also send an email to those on our mailing list. If the Saturday class is canceled, please make an effort to attend our Monday classes, and vice versa.
Back to Top
TRAINING – ADDITIONAL TRAINING YOU CAN DO ON YOUR OWN
GET A LEG UP ON 2015 TAX PREP
The IRS has completed its Link and Learn course for tax preparers for the 2015 tax year. Whether you are new or returning to volunteering this may be for you.
You can check out this program at www.IRS.gov, sign up and start your learning now. Community Tax Aid may be adding VITA site next year where IRS credentials (available by completing the Link and Learn course) will be needed.
Take a look on the IRS website.
Back to Top
|
|
|
|
