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VITA Tax Program Assistant Primary Role: The VITA Tax Program Assistant is a knowledgeable and experienced tax preparer who assists the VITA Program Manager in the total operation of the VITA Program, ensuring compliance in keeping with Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations and agency policies to provide support to individuals and families. The program works to help individuals and families connect with valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, etc., and free tax preparation. Reports to: VITA Tax Program Manager, with guidance from the Director of Agency Operations, and Executive Director Essential Responsibilities Prepare and submit tax returns for clients. Schedule clients’ appointments. Advise clients about the tax preparation process. Assist clients with IRS communications. Audit all tax forms for completeness, accuracy and electronic acceptance. Assist with volunteer recruitment. Coordinate volunteer recognition tools for volunteers. Provide tax preparation assistance to tax sites when applicable. Assist with error resolution, tax preparations, e-filing, contacting taxpayers, and responding to tax questions. Maintain tax resources and distribute to individuals and tax sites, when applicable. Maintain volunteer database, ensuring certifications are complete before distributing software access information. Provide guidance to volunteer seeking training resources. Perform other duties as requested by management. Experience/Certifications: Possess a bachelor’s or associate degree in accounting or business administration. Previous experience with tax preparation preferred. Certified or ability to become an IRS-certified tax preparer. Key Competencies: Ability to multi-task, including strong organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, and the ability to meet deadlines. Exceptional interpersonal skills, including developing relationships with organizations and individuals from diverse backgrounds. Strong focus on detail and accuracy; deadline oriented. Ability to work effectively in a team environment and build strong working relationships. Demonstrated experience in effective communication - both written and verbally. Demonstrated ability to work and function with confidential information and data. Proven comfort level with learning new software applications and systems as necessary. Proficient with Microsoft Office, tax software, volunteer tracking and appointment platforms. Ability to process tax returns in a virtual environment (includes scanning and uploading/downloading documents).

Location and directions to Experiment in Self-Reliance. Directions

Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR) is a Non-Profit Community Action Agency dedicated to empowering social and economic self-reliance for low-income citizens in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community. About Us Our Mission & Vision Experiment in Self-Reliance is a non-profit agency that was chartered in 1964 and has served the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community for over 60 years. Our mission is to empower social and economic self-reliance for working low-income. We are committed to creating a judgment-free zone and treating everyone with respect, all while pursuing our vision of reducing poverty in our community. Who We Serve ESR serves the low-to-moderate-income population of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County. Clients must meet eligibility criteria (income level, etc.). We attempt to connect everyone who walks through our door with the resources they need to attain or regain self-reliance. This could be through enrollment in our programs or referral to another service provider whose programs are more suited to the individual’s needs. We are a Community Action Agency and a United Way Agency. Our History ESR was chartered in 1964 and has served the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County community for more than 50 years, working to eliminate poverty and homelessness, and help people help themselves. Like its sister Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the nation, ESR was born out of Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty and the Equal Opportunity Act of 1964. In North Carolina, ESR was one of the original 11 CAAs supported by Governor Terry Sanford’s North Carolina Fund. ESR’s growth during the 1970s and early ‘80s was assured under the leadership of the legendary community servant Louise Wilson. Its mission was preserved and fostered through the 1980s and early ‘90s by Bob Law. ESR played a pivotal role in launching such integral local organizations as Head Start, Crisis Control, TransAid, Legal Aide in its early years before transitioning to the Senior, Youth and Emergency Assistance Services of the middle years. Its efforts under the leadership of Executive Director Twana W. Roebuck aimed to bridge the gaps in welfare-to-work, including promoting long-term self-sufficiency for the working poor, housing for working and chronically homeless, first-time homeownership, tax services, vocational and college education, and Hispanic/Latino services. ESR has been here for the community and its families. We serve hundreds of families in a variety of situations that many of us could conceivably find ourselves in—victims of house fires and domestic violence, those who have encountered a major financial setback due to health care costs, those who have experienced a change in life circumstances such as divorce or death of a family member, and people who are caught up in the endless cycles of generational poverty and chronic homelessness. As ESR passes its 60th anniversary and looks forward into the next half century, the expectation is that it will continue to lead in community action in Forsyth County, and continue to provide a safety net and a hand up to those in need. Our Partnerships As a community leader, ESR collaborates with many community agencies to ensure the growth and enrichment of the community. This helps us ensure that community members can be connected with agencies that are best equipped to provide services for them. Additionally, collaboration limits gaps and overlaps in service that can be wasteful. Below is a partial list of ESR’s partnerships. Partners marked with an asterisk (*) are agencies with which ESR is currently involved on an ongoing basis. At any given time, ESR is actively seeking community connections through which to serve the community and support our programming. Fund Sources City of Winston-Salem Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Department of Labor FEMA Forsyth County Local Banks MDC/EITC Carolinas Kate B. Reynolds Charitable Trust NC Department of Health & Human Services(OEO) RJ Reynolds/Reynolds American United Way of Forsyth County Winston-Salem Foundation W-S Community & Business Development Dept. Referral Partners Crisis Control Ministries Goodwill Industries greeNest Of Winston-Salem* Legal Aid of North Carolina Local Faith Community* Rescue Mission Samaritan Ministries The Salvation Army Urban League Training, Referral Source, In-Kind American Red Cross Career Connections and Prosperity Center* Department of Commerce Department of Employment Security Forsyth County DSS Forsyth County Health Department Forsyth County Mental Health Department Forsyth Technical Community College* Goodwill Industries* JobLink Career Center* Local Faith Community Lou Baldwin Realty NC Cooperative Extension* Next Step Ministries Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest NC Salem College* Veteran’s Administration* Wake Forest University* Winston-Salem Housing Authority* Winston-Salem State University* W-S/Forsyth County Homeless Council* Workforce Development Board* Coordinated Intake Center (CIC) * Forsyth Free Tax Resources/Sites Career Connections and Prosperity Center Goodwill Industries Internal Revenue Service Local Banks Local Libraries Malloy Jordan Heritage Center Mi Casa VITA/EITC Engagement Committee Walnut Cove Senior Center Winston-Salem Industries for the Blind Winston-Salem Transit Authority IDA Partners/Resources Center for Home Ownership (CHO) Financial Pathways of the Piedmont* Forsyth County Housing Department* Habitat for Humanity IDA Work Group* Local Banks Local Realtors* NC Housing Finance Agency NC IDA Collaborative* "We believe that every person has the potential to overcome their circumstances and achieve their dreams." 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¿Está listo(a) para dar un paso hacia el cambio de su vida? El ESR puede ayudarle. ¡Ahora ofrecemos sesiones de orientación en español!!! Las sesiones de orientación están ubicadas en Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR). Spanish Speaking ¿Está listo(a) para dar un paso hacia el cambio de su vida? El ESR puede ayudarle! Las sesiones de orientación están ubicadas en Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR). Nuestra dirección es: 3480 Dominion St. Winston-Salem, NC 27105. Para obtener más información, llame al (336) 722 - 9400. Ready to take a step towards changing your life? ESR can help! Orientation sessions are located at Experiment in Self-Reliance (ESR). Our address is 3480 Dominion Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. For more information, call (336) 722-9400.

EVENT ROOM RENTAL INFORMATION ARE YOU A NON-PROFIT OR SMALL BUSINESS OWNER, CORPORATE MANAGER, GROUP LEADER, OR JUST A PERSON LOOKING FOR A GREAT LOCATION TO HOST A MEETING, TRAINING SESSION, RECEPTION, EVENT, ETC.? ESR IS THE PERFECT LOCATION FOR YOUR OCCASION! Click here for more information

We have positions open! Join the ESR family and be a part of a group dedicated to improving our community! Join our Team! Open Positions Individual Development (IDA) Small Business Success Coach - Full-time Position (36 hours/week) - Click HERE for position description How to Apply To apply for any position, please submit an application either online or by email, both options are shown below. Please send all email correspondence to delores.mccullough@eisr.org (no spaces) and use "Employment Application" in the email title. Once you complete an application, we will review your information and contact you for an interview if we feel you may be a suitable candidate. If not, we will keep your information on file for 90 days, and if an appropriate position becomes available, we will contact you. Please be aware that positions are subject to continued availability of funding. Experiment in Self-Reliance, Inc. provides equal opportunity to all applicants and employees. You can now complete an application online! Click here Upon completion of the online application, please email your resume and cover letter, if applicable, to the email address listed above. ESR Employment Application - PDF available here if you prefer to complete a paper application and submit by email to the email address listed above.

ESR’s self-reliance programs meet clients where they are in their lives, and provide education and resources to help them overcome obstacles to become self-reliant. Case managers at ESR offer counseling that addresses a wide variety of life circumstances, helping clients learn to recognize and make good choices as they are faced with difficulties. Programs Steps to Success Orientation: The collection of general information and a surface level needs assessment as the first step in determining eligibility and suitability. Intake: The in-depth interview to retrieve information in preparation for making a program enrollment decision. Needs Assessment: The in-depth analysis of information gained during intake for the purpose of insuring eligibility and suitability. Documenting major needs and concerns. Case Staffing: Enrollment decisions are made during this phase when eligibility and suitability; issues are fully determined. Enrollment/Referral: Process by which the case plan is designed for action by the client and case manager. Case Plan: Listing of short-term objectives and long-term goals; Action steps, benchmarks, client and case manager responsibilities. Case Management/Service Delivery: Implementation of programmatic services that lead to social and economic self-sufficiency. ESR’s self-reliance programs meet clients where they are in their lives, and provide education and resources to help them overcome obstacles to become self-reliant. Case managers at ESR offer counseling that addresses a wide variety of life circumstances, helping clients learn to recognize and make good choices as they are faced with difficulties (or windfalls!). Counseling includes but is not limited to education options, preparing for employment improvement (job readiness), budgeting, stable and appropriate housing options, financial literacy and personal/emotional support. ESR offers social and cultural activities to facilitate client engagement in the community. ESR’s programs provide holistic support for people who want to rise above poverty and break the cycle of generational poverty. This means working with the whole household or family. ESR looks at the whole picture to understand what success, stability, and upward mobility look like to that household. Then ESR tailors emotional, social, educational, and financial resources to fit the needs and goals of the client. However, clients are held accountable for their own progress, as well. New Century IDA Assists individuals and families in Forsyth County become more financially stable and build assets that will continue to grow in value become first-time homeowners or enhance your small business. You’ll receive economic literacy training and support. Forsyth Fre e Tax Prepares basic tax returns each year during the tax season for low-income residents, its clients and general public. Taxes are prepared and electronically filed by trained volunteers at a variety of local sites. Self-Sufficiency Designed to help low-income working households to escape poverty, increase their standard of living and their social and economic self-reliance. You can expect one-on-one counseling to help meet your goals. Empowerment Series Our goal is to provide financial literacy sessions that fit your needs and schedule. Sessions will challenge, teach, and prepare you for the future.

Your donation stays here in Forsyth County. These funds help provide assistance to clients in need of purchasing food vouchers and bus passes, for deposits on utilities, rent deposits, assistance with childcare for a working parent, uniforms for work or school, tuition, books, and other services to help meet our clients’ immediate and long-term needs. Donate Now more than ever, ESR needs your support Your donation stays here in Forsyth County. Generally, your monetary contributions go directly to client assistance funds. These funds may be used for purchasing food vouchers and bus passes, for deposits on utilities, rent deposits, assistance with childcare for a working parent, uniforms for work or school, tuition, books, and other services to help meet our clients’ immediate and long-term needs. Your donations of goods also go to assist our clients, depending on the nature of the donation. We have limited storage for donated items, however please call us to see if we have an immediate need for your items. For information on how to donate tangible items, call (336)-722-9400. For more ways to give, see giving options below. Annual Fund General giving goes to the area that has the most need. Your gift, plus the gifts of others, can mean the continuation of a program, the addition of new programs or activities to help citizens of Winston-Salem/Forsyth County to remove themselves from poverty, help meet the needs of a family throughout the year, or provide for a host of other vital services in our community. Louise G. Wilson Legacy Society Louise G. Wilson served as ESR’s Executive Director from 1968 until 1985. Over the course of her career and throughout her life, Wilson dedicated her time to advocating for the needs of the poor. Her legacy of service and commitment to the community proceeds her. The Louise G. Wilson Legacy Society is reserved for donors who contribute $1,000 annually. An honor event will be held each year in recognition of Mrs. Wilson and the Legacy Society. Donation Form First name Last name Street Address Street Address Line 2 City Region/State/Province Postal / Zip code Email Phone Select Your Campaign Annual Fund General Support Louise Wilson Legacy Society Program Support (please specify) Other (please specify) If your gift is in support of a Program or Other, please specify the program or campaign here. This gift is In honor of (please specify) In memory of (please specify) Not applicable If your gift is "In honor of" or "In memory of," please specify here. Enter the amount you wish to pay: $ Go to Checkout Thanks for submitting!

There are many ways to get involved at ESR and support our mission, you just have to find which one works best for you! Join our team, become a volunteer, be an intern, or become a client! Support Our Mission Get Involved There are many ways to get involved at ESR and support our mission, you just have to find which one works best for you! Check out the different opportunities we have available for you to participate below! Donate Events ESR has several events and trainings throughout the year. Check out our complete list of upcoming scheduled events and trainings. Volunteer We are fortunate to work with volunteers who aim to give back to the community in a variety of ways. Everyone has a unique set of gifts that allow them to serve others. Be an Intern From time to time we are able to bring interns from a variety of higher education programs such as social work, sociology, psychology and marketing. Gain hands on experience working with the community and understanding the challenges and fulfillment of helping clients. Join our Team Would you like to learn more about a career at ESR? Check our Open positions .

The Self-Sufficiency program allows clients to custom-design their own plan for becoming self-sufficient by improving income and continuing education. It is based on the premise that with proper planning, information, support, and accountability, virtually everyone can achieve some level of economic self-reliance. Self-Sufficiency Self-Sufficiency Helping people help themselves Self-Sufficiency, our signature program, enables you to custom-design your own plan for becoming self-sufficient by improving your income and continuing education. It is based on the premise that with proper planning, information, support, and accountability, virtually everyone can achieve some level of economic self-reliance. The program is conducted through intensive case management. You will be assigned to a Success Coach who helps you develop an individualized case plan, tailored to fit your needs and goals with the steps needed to achieve them. Clients can remain in the Self-Sufficiency program for up to two years, during which you’re encouraged to take advantage of the many other activities and programs ESR offers to enhance the development of life skills that will help you to become even more self-sufficient. You also may receive financial assistance as part of your individual case plans. Such assistance may include tuition and books for improving education, childcare assistance, gaining higher-paying employment, assistance with move-in fees and rental assistance, transportation, and more. Self-Sufficiency Team All clients are expected to meet with their Success Coach monthly. We’ll track your progress and give the necessary support to assist you along the way. This structured program has been documented to be very helpful in assisting clients in improving their employment and income prospects and helping to create and maintain a stable home life. Who Qualifies All of ESR’s programs, except Information and Referral, are designed to assist working low-income households, with at least one member of the household employed. We base enrollment on government standard levels of income, which you must meet in order to qualify. Each case is reviewed by the program staff, and then an eligibility determination is made. ESR recognizes the needs of community members who are on disability and unemployment, however, our programs are not set up to work with households who rely on these sources as their sole income. United Way, one of our collaborative partners, provides an information service where those who seek assistance can locate the agency that is best suited to meet their needs. This information service can be accessed by dialing 2-1-1. Requirements To become enrolled in ESR’s Self-Sufficiency Program, you must: Be a resident of Forsyth County. Provide a photo ID. Provide Social Security or ITIN card. Provide proof of income (paycheck stub). Meet the DHHS income definitions. Be willing to participate in a structured program. Be willing to accept case management/counseling services including economic literacy training. Be willing to follow an established budget and case plan. Service Delivery Income and Wage Progression Vocational education to improve employment Transportation Child Care Social and Economic Literacy Training Employment Supplies Housing Assistance (Move-In Fees or Rental Assistance) Budgeting and Financial Education Family Stability and Domestic Violence Mental/Substance Abuse Incarceration and criminal activity The maximum amount of time for service delivery is two years. The clients’ graduation is determined by self-sufficiency performance outcomes established by the agency. The Self-Sufficiency Program DOES NOT provide emergency payment services. ESR can offer resources and information to organizations who do provide these services. If you have interest in this program, contact the Self-Sufficiency Team by calling (336) 722 - 9400 or fill out the form below. Orientation takes place twice a week: Tuesdays from 10:00 -11:00 am and Thursdays from 1:00 -2:00 pm. Orientation is held at ESR which is located at 3480 Dominion Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27105. You must attend an orientation session as a part of the enrollment process. Self-Sufficiency Interest Form First name Last name Email Phone Submit

Tax FAQ Have a question about filing your tax return? We can help! Here are our Frequently Asked Questions. Have additional questions? Give us a call at 336-722-9400 . Question: Am I required to file a tax return? Answer: To determine if you are required to file a tax return will depend on several factors, including your age, gross income, filing status, and if you are a dependent on someone else’s tax return. To get more specific information on who must file, check out IRS Publication 501. Question: What is the difference between the standard deduction and itemized deduction? Answer: A standard deduction is a fixed dollar amount based on the taxpayer’s filing status that lowers the taxpayer’s taxable income. The standard deduction is a benefit that eliminates the need for taxpayers to itemize deductions such as medical expenses, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. Itemized deduction allows taxpayers to reduce their taxable income based on specific personal expenses such as medical expenses, mortgage interest, and charitable contributions. Most taxpayers have a choice of either taking a standard deduction or itemized deduction whichever gives the taxpayer the lower taxable income and lower tax amount. Question: Will I receive a tax form if I had a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace? Answer: If a taxpayer or anyone in the taxpayer’s household is enrolled in a health plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Form 1095-A will be issued. This form will be mailed from the Health Insurance Marketplace and not the IRS. If you have not received Form 1095-A, contact the Health Insurance Marketplace (800-318-2596) or visit the website https://www.healthcare.gov/. Question: What do I do if I have been a victim of identity theft? Answer: If you have been a victim of identity theft, contact the IRS Identity Protection Specialized Unit at 800-908-4490 extension 245 immediately. Question: When are tax returns due for the tax year 2024? Answer: Taxpayers will have until Tuesday, April 15th, 2025 to file their 2024 tax returns. Question: How can I check the status of my tax refund? Answer: The taxpayer can check the status of a tax refund by using the Where’s My Refund? tool (https://www.irs.gov/refunds). Where’s My Refund? tells the taxpayer if their tax return has been received and if the IRS has approved their tax return and/or sent the taxpayer their tax refund. Question: What if I am unable to pay the taxes that I owe? Answer: It’s important that taxpayers still file a tax return even if the taxpayer is unable to pay the taxes owed. Failing to file a tax return will result in penalties and interest. If the taxpayer is unable to pay taxes owed, the IRS has multiple payment options including installment agreements. For additional information, taxpayers may call (800-829-1040) or visit the IRS website .

VITA Tax Program Manager Primary Role: The VITA Manager is responsible for supervising the operations for the asset building coordination through the VITA program by recruiting volunteers, training volunteers, and supervising and aiding staff and volunteers in setting up tax sites. This individual will manage and execute all free tax preparation with volunteers at community sites. The VITA Manager will work in concert with the economic literacy activities for IDA clients, agency wide clients, and community partners when appropriate. The unified coordinated efforts will aim to address the changing trends that impact families/individuals facing asset poverty. Additionally, the VITA Manager will aid in doing presentations to inform the public/clients in the importance of free tax preparation and information associated with taxes. This individual will lead the efforts of evaluating existing programs and activities in order to make suggestions/changes based on reported client/community needs and business trends. Reports to: Director of Agency Operations with guidance from the Executive Director for community collaborations. Duties: Organizational Program Leadership: Trains volunteers and ESR staff on the benefits of EITC specially the EITC for clients pursuing self-sufficiency and housing stability. Also train staff on the basics of how to use tax system to benefit working families including the use of the Child Tax Credit, the Education Tax Credit and the Savers' Tax Credit. Conducts training for VITA volunteers, set up current tax sites, facilitate process for new sites in concert with the IRS standards Conducts training for tax site host and create site standards in concert with IRS standards Attends and facilitates meetings for Forsyth County Working Family Partnership. Develops strategic plans for the changing community and professional trends by designing and implementing progressive educational programs. Maintains tracking system and data to monitor accomplishments on-going. Contributes to the effectiveness of the program by maintaining active interest in the field, consulting and advocating for change. Assists Executive Director in marketing services to the community or others as directed. Maintains professional competency by participating in continued education, workshops, seminars, etc. and personal growth experiences. Meets regularly with supervisor to discuss community needs, workload, communication concepts and, make suggestions for changes/new programs, etc. Works in concert with IDA Director to promote asset building efforts. Participates and provide written and oral updates to Community Collaborators during scheduled meetings. Maintains working relationships with participants and provide suggestions and/or recommendations as needed. Fulfills other related job duties as needed. Programmatic Marketing and Communication: Develops all outreach materials so that materials can be customized as needed for both the free tax sites and for VITA outreach materials for both eligible individuals and employers. This will include but not limited to fliers, brochures, employer toolkits, and other materials as agreed to by partner agencies. Develops an outreach strategy to reach employers, non-profits who serve low-income clients and eligible families on the benefits of the EITC. Provides educational presentations and marketing presentations to a wide variety of audiences, ensuring a broader range of potential sites and lead financial partners for VITA and asset building efforts. Promotes a positive image of the program by ensuring an understanding of the services available and conducting oneself according to a professional code of ethics. Programmatic Fundraising and Development Aids in grant writing and fundraising for VITA and asset building projects. Enhance Community Collaboration Develops strategic plans to recruit and assist in training volunteers and strengthen alliances for expanding and promoting VITA through the community. Aligns asset building strategies with community-wide expectations to address poverty in families/individuals. Maintains harmonious working relationships with co-workers, United Way, educators, and other related service agencies and collaborative contacts. Risk Management Maintains tax certifications to prepare taxes and attend related training sessions to expand knowledge of tax related laws and expectations. Renews and creates MOU's with tax site host Ambassadorship Serves as an ambassador for ESR and all collaborating partners and maintain the integrity of the organizations involved. Serves as a team player and assist in furthering the mission of the organization. Reasoning Ability Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form. Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk, stand, crawl, bend, stoop, climb, use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms, here. The employee frequently required to sit and talk. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job includes close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, and depth perception. Work Environment The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is rarely exposed to outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate. Specifications The information presented indicates the general nature and level of work expected of employees in this classification. It is not designed to contain, or to be interpreted as, a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and objectives required of employees assigned to this job. Licenses, Registrations, Certifications Valid Driver’s License and reliable transportation that may be used in the performance of duties. Qualifications: Should possess a 4-year college degree in business or related field, volunteer recruitment experience, tax preparation, and five years’ experience in financial, education or related field. Preferred candidates will have a Human Services, Business, Marketing, Operations or related degree, with two years related experience. Must have working knowledge of computer data entry process of Microsoft programs and other related software programs with strong computer skills in Microsoft Excel and tax software. The position also requires the ability to speak in public and to relate and maintain relationships with educators, clients, businesses, creditors, other agencies, etc.