Prepare + Prosper seeks hundreds of volunteers

Prepare + Prosper (P+P), 2610 University Ave. W., is looking for hundreds of volunteers for the upcoming tax season. P+P trains all volunteers who in turn put their skills to use throughout the Twin Cities by preparing taxes, working one-on-one with customers to discuss their individual financial goals, and providing customer support and service for taxpayers.

“You can make a tangible difference,” said Tracy Fischman, P+P executive director. “Volunteers play an important role in helping hardworking families with low-incomes turn tax time into a money moment. A tax refund can account for 30% or more of one’s annual income. When families receive this refund, they use it to pay down debt or pay bills, make important purchases, and save.”

In 2016, volunteers returned $24.7 million in refunds for 13,000 taxpayers. Additionally, volunteer financial advocates helped 1,200 customers save $1.9 million of their tax refunds.

Because of the significant refunds that low-income taxpayers receive, they are often targeted by paid preparers that charge high fees. At P+P’s free tax preparation sites, volunteers provide customers with access to 100% of their refunds and financial services at no cost.

Volunteer positions include customer service specialists, financial advocates, tax preparers, and tax reviewers.

Additionally, P+P is looking for volunteers who speak Spanish and Somali. Tax knowledge is not needed for all positions. All volunteers receive training and support, and those preparing and reviewing tax returns will become IRS-certified. P+P operates eight sites in Minneapolis, St. Paul, Hopkins, and Bloomington.

For those interested in volunteering, P+P is holding orientations now through Dec. To sign up for an orientation, visit http://www.prepareandprosper.org or contact Kelly Quicksell, volunteer resources coordinator, at volunteer@prepareandprosper.org or by calling 651-262-2163.