Volunteer call out: Tax Help program

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Cire Community House has just become a Tax Help centre and we are looking for a volunteer to run our Tax Help program.

Tax Help is a network of ATO-trained and accredited community volunteers who provide a free and confidential service to help people complete their tax returns online using myTax.

From July to October, every year Tax Help volunteers guide and encourage clients to prepare and lodge their own tax returns. They help people with simple individual tax matters to lodge their tax returns online with myTax and lodge claims for refunds of franking credits. Where necessary, they help clients create a myGov account and link to their online tax account.

You don’t need any special experience to be a Tax Help volunteer. Tax Help volunteers come from all areas of the community with a diverse range of ages and backgrounds. If you can spare a few hours each week between July and October, you can help.

The ATO will introduce you to myGov and myTax and show you how to prepare and lodge tax returns online. They will reimburse you for any reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel and phone calls.

You can become a Tax Help volunteer if you:

  • are at least 18 years old
  • have lived in Australia permanently for the last two years
  • can use a computer or mobile device
  • meet the requirements of a pre-engagement check (which includes a police records check)
  • can complete training, online and in person.

Volunteer training

Tax Help volunteers train between March and June each year.

Training is self-paced and online so you will need access to a computer and the internet.

An ATO community liaison officer will oversee and guide you through the training and support you once you begin delivering Tax Help in your community.

How to apply to be part of the Tax Help program

Applications are now open for Tax Help volunteers.

If you are interested in becoming a Tax Help volunteer and would like more information, email your name, phone number, suburb and state where you live to Individuals Tax Help at SBITtaxhelp@ato.gov.au by 20 April 2018. Alternatively, you can contact Simone from Cire Community House on 5967 1776 for further information.

Information provided by ATO website as of 01 March 2018