VITA is a pretty neat program where they give you tax training and you get to help folks fill out their taxes on a TurboTax-like program. I just spent a few hours entering submissions for wards of the state (they need their refunds, too).
https://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-free-tax-return-preparation-programshttps://www.irs.gov/individuals/irs-tax-volunteersBackground- They train you
- You aren't liable as a tax preparer. You're there to enter the information they give you.
- You're with a group of other preparers so you have a good support system/aren't alone in trying to figure out a question
Pros- You get to help people and, oh boy, they need your help. These are folks that can't afford to get a fine for not submitting taxes.
One lady was a recent widow, with <10k income for the year,
and her house was robbed. Rough year. It was nice to help her check one thing off her to-do list.
- Great way to pay forward our math/logic skills
- You get to learn more about taxes. They aren't so intimidating once you do a couple and you learn tips/tricks along the way.
Cons- Can't think of much...time? A few hours a month doesn't seem like a bad trade-off to learn tips/tricks about how to do my own taxes.
- You'll realize/it'll be confirmed that most people don't understand our tax system (low or high earners). It'll take extra willpower to keep your mouth shut in general conversation.