Prepare + Prosper
A perfect fit for MNCPA members who want to give back
Back in 1971, it became clear to some MNCPA members that an individual’s access to high-quality tax assistance shouldn’t depend solely on one’s ability to pay for such services. These people came together to help form the Accounting Aid Society (now, Prepare + Prosper, known as AccountAbility Minnesota until 2014), an organization that began providing free tax preparation for low- and moderate-income Minnesotans.
Today, Prepare + Prosper accomplishes the important work it does with the help of more than 550 volunteers each tax season.
FILL OUT A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
What will volunteers gain?
Volunteers remark on how satisfying doing this kind of work is, and that the impact is immediate. They also say the experience provides a great learning opportunity for them.
"MNCPA members have been our longest and most consistent supporters. Members have provided thought-leadership and have filled our volunteer roles perfectly. They have accounting expertise, which is a key requirement, and a desire to help others."
- Tracy Fischman, Executive Director, Prepare + Prosper
There are a variety of roles that they fill:
- Tax return preparers: Our largest need.
- Reviewers: Some volunteers with more experience serve as reviewers (all returns are reviewed).
- Tax site specialists: These volunteers are the first point of contact and screen all potential customers to make sure they are eligible for our services and have the necessary documentation for tax preparation.
- Financial advocates: These volunteers promote savings, pull and walk through credit reports, and screen customers for a number of state public benefits that they may be eligible for (e.g., food support, health care, etc.).
- Volunteer financial planners: These volunteers are certified financial planners and work with customers on things like reducing debt, budgeting, understanding credit, and more. Credit is a particularly confusing yet important tool, as credit scores are often used to facilitate access to mainstream financial products, competitive interest rates, housing and even employment.
- Self-employment tax preparers: This program is expanding, so volunteer opportunities are growing in this area.
- Off-season volunteers: During the summer and fall, these volunteers help with prior year tax returns, renters’ credit rebates, property tax refunds, etc.
Every volunteer goes through Prepare + Prosper's training program, and all tax preparers and reviewers must pass an IRS certification exam.
Volunteer with Prepare + Prosper
FILL OUT A VOLUNTEER APPLICATION
For more information about volunteering, contact Sara McCracken, volunteer resources manager at sara@prepareandprosper.org or 651-262-2174.
