Frequently Asked Questions
About Participating Organizations
- Who is AARP Tax-Aide?
- Who are the volunteers? Can I trust them?
- What other organizations are working with you?
Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
- What does EITC stand for?
- What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?
- What is the Advance EITC?
- How do I know if I qualify?
- How much money can I get back?
- What if I think I qualified last year but didn’t claim my EITC?
- How much money is unclaimed in Duval County?
Free tax preparation
- What will you do for me at a free tax preparation site?
- Where are the tax preparation sites, and what are the hours of operation?
- When does electronic filing begin?
- What if my children are grown but are still dependents?
- What do I need to bring?
- What if I have my own business?
Free financial classes
- Who do I call to sign up for financial classes?
- What are the financial literacy modules that will be taught?
- When are the next classes scheduled?
Individual Development Accounts
- What does IDA stand for?
- What is a “savings match?”
- Why would anyone give me free money?
- Is there more to an IDA Program than just savings matches?
- Am I eligible to participate?
- What will I be required to do?
- What additional support is available to me while in the program?
- Where will my money be deposited?
- What if I need to withdraw my money from savings for an emergency?
- Can I change my “saving” goal while in the program?
- How do I receive matching funds?
- Can my spouse participate in this program?
- Will my participation in the IDA program affect my eligibility for other benefits?
- What happens if I am not ready to acquire my goal within the two-year period?
- Who offers this program in Northeast Florida?
- How can I apply to participate?
Volunteering
- How do I sign up to volunteer with Real$ense?
- Do I have to do anything special to become a volunteer?
- How do I volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide?
- How do I complete my volunteer profile online?
- How much time is involved in volunteering?
- How long is the volunteer commitment?
- How old do you have to be to volunteer?
- Does it cost anything to volunteer?
- Can I volunteer near my own neighborhood?
- What if my employer/school wants to volunteer as a group?
- How do I log in to become a volunteer or check my record if I am already a volunteer?
- How do I know what my User ID and Password are for My Volunteer Page?
- How do I log in my hours if I am already an active volunteer?
- How do I check my hours to see if all the hours are listed?
- What do I do if my hours are not correct or I made a mistake?
- How do I find out about new volunteer opportunities?
- How do I receive communications via email?
- Can I receive written documentation of my hours for Community Service purposes?
Who is AARP Tax-Aide?• AARP Tax-Aide is a volunteer group funded by the IRS that prepares tax returns for free and gives special consideration to citizens who are 60 years and older.
Who are the volunteers? Can I trust them?Volunteers for the Real$ense Prosperity Campaign—whether they are making a presentation, teaching a financial education class, or preparing taxes—are from all sectors of the Northeast Florida Community:
- Local non-profit agencies
- Local, State and Federal government agencies
- Local businesses
- Local churches
- Local colleges and universities
- Local small businesses
What other organizations are working with you?The Real$ense Prosperity Campaign is a purposeful collaboration of agencies, government, educational, non-profit, and other organizations. For a complete list of participating organizations
click here
What does EITC stand for?“EITC” stands for Earned Income Tax Credit.
What is the Earned Income Tax Credit?Earned Income Tax Credit is an amount that has been set aside by the Federal Government and is designed to aid lower-to-moderate income workers. It is a "refundable credit," instituted in 1975 that can potentially be larger than the amount of taxes withheld from a qualifying worker's paycheck.
| Target Audience - Earned Income Tax Credit: |
|---|
| Family/single w/no child, income < $18,440 – Refund up to $ 457* |
| Family/single w/1 child, income < $40,463 – Refund up to $3,043* |
| Family/single w/2 children, income < $45,295 – Refund up to $5,028* |
| Family/single w/3 children, income < $48,279 – Refund up to $5,657* |
| *Numbers are for married filing jointly; for income limit for single, subtract $5,000 |
What is the Advance EITC?An employee who expects to be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and expects to have a qualified child is entitled to receive EITC payments, called Advance EITC, with his or her pay during the year. The employer adds the EITC payment, up to a maximum of $1,750 (or a maximum of $14.83 per month for 12 months) for 2008, to the employee’s net pay for the pay period. The employee must fill out an IRS form W-5.
How do I know if I qualify?To qualify for the earned income tax credit, you must meet one of the following criteria:
- If you lived with more than one qualifying child in 2009 and your family earned less than $37,783 ($45,295 – married, filing jointly with 3 or more children) OR
- If you lived with one qualifying child in 2009 and your family earned less than $35,463 ($40,463 – married, filing jointly with 3 or more children) OR
- If you had no children living with you in 2009 and you earned less than $13,440 ($18,440 – married, filing jointly with 3 or more children)
How much money can I get back?
| Filing Status | Number of Dependents | Total Family Income | EITC Refund COULD BE AS MUCH AS |
|---|---|---|---|
| - Married, filing jointly OR - Head of Household OR - Single (*$43,279 total income) |
3 or more | $48,279* | $5,657 |
| - Married, filing jointly OR - Head of Household OR - Single (*$40,295 total income) |
2 or more | $45,295* | $5,028 |
| - Married, filing jointly OR - Head of Household OR - Single (*$35,463 total income) |
1 | $40,463* | $3,043 |
| - Married, filing jointly OR - Head of Household OR - Single (*$13,440 total income) |
0 | $18,440* | $457 |
What if I think I qualified last year but didn’t claim my EITC?
Amended returns can be filed for up to three years back. In 2010, amended returns can be filed for 2006, 2007, and 2008.
What will you do for me at a free tax preparation site?
At one of our free tax preparation sites, you will receive the following:
- Free tax preparation by IRS-trained volunteer preparers with no fees or hidden charges. That means that if you use this service, you are able to keep every penny of your refund--as opposed to those who pay predatory lending fees to have their taxes done at organizations offering instant refunds or refund anticipation loans.
- Electronic-filing, so that refunds can be obtained within ten business days or fewer from the filing date.
- Free Financial Education to help you access classes that will teach you how to open or maximize a bank account, build up a good credit rating, become a first time home owner, further your education, or start your own small business.
Where are the tax preparation sites, and what are the hours of operation?
For a list of locations offering free tax preparation services
click here
What if my children are grown but are still dependents?
You may still qualify. Disabled adult children, or other relatives, such as nieces and nephews (whether or not disabled), parents, foster children, and other persons may qualify as a dependent. As long as the other requirements, such as income and investments are met you may still qualify.
What do I need to bring?
- Photo ID (Driver's License, state-issued ID, or military ID)
- Proof of a valid social security number for yourself and your children (or other dependants)
- All income statements, including W-2, 1099, and other such documents
- Official documents proving qualified deductions (such as child care credits, higher education credits, etc,)
- Any bank routing information to have your refund deposited electronically
- Your spouse, if filing jointly
What if I have my own business?
Unless your tax requirements are very simple, as in a sole proprietorship, our service is probably not the best resource for you.
Who do I call to sign up for financial classes?
Call the person indicated for each class on the class list.
::More
To register for a Money Smart classes, contact the following:
- - Jacksonville Urban League, Wanda Davis - 904-366-3470
- - Duval County Ext. Agency, Anita McKinney - 904-387-8850
- - War on Poverty - 904-766-7275
- - Northeast Florida Community Action Agency - 904-398-7472
To register for Fresh Account (formerly Get Checking) classes:
- Duval County Ext. Agency, Anita McKinney - 904-387-8850
To register for Credit when Credit is Due classes and/or Credit Counseling:
- Family Foundations - 904-396-4846
What are the financial education modules that will be taught?
The financial information being taught in the Money Smart series includes the following:
- Bank On It – an introduction to bank services
- Borrowing Basics – an introduction to credit
- Check It Out – how to choose and keep a checking account
- Money Matters – how to keep track of your money
- Pay Yourself First – why you should save, save, save
- Keep It Safe – your rights as a consumer
- To Your Credit – how your credit history will affect your credit future
- Charge It Right – how to make a credit card work for you
When are the next classes scheduled?
See class list here
What does IDA stand for?
IDA’s, or Individual Development Accounts are special matched savings accounts designed to help you with your dreams of owning a home or small business or getting a post-secondary education.
What is a “savings match?”
A “savings match” is a promise to supplement your savings deposits at a specific rate. This program matches every dollar you save with another 2 dollars. You can save up to a maximum of $2000 and receive an additional $4000 in matched funds.
Why would anyone give me free money?
This is not a giveaway. You earn savings matches by saving your own hard-earned dollars and taking other steps to prepare for the future, like attending personal finance workshops. This same thinking has been behind government initiatives like the GI Bill.
Is there more to an IDA Program than just savings matches?
Absolutely. You will need more than just cash to become a successful homeowner, entrepreneur or college student. For this reason, you will attend a personal finance and money management workshop series and a special asset-specific preparation program. These workshops are designed to help you with your personal and financial skills that are essential to long-term success.
Am I eligible to participate?
There are two separate income criteria used for determining eligibility. The IDA Program is open to individuals or families who meet the following criteria:
| Target Audience - Individual Development Accounts | |
|---|---|
| Household Size | Income Limit |
| 1 | $ 21,600 |
| 2 | $ 29,140 |
| 3 | $ 36,620 |
| 4 | $ 44,100 |
| 5 | $ 51,580 |
| 6 | $ 59,060 |
| 7 | $ 66,540 |
| 8 | $ 74,020 |
| *For family units of more than 8 members, add $3,740 for each additional member. | |
OR
- Anyone within 200% or below the current guidelines. (i.e. one person household makes up to $20,420)
- Participants must currently be employed.
- Earned income can come from traditional wages or from some form of self-employment
What will I be required to do?
You are asked to:
- Make monthly savings deposits of at least $15
- Save in the program for at least 6 months (maximum of 24 months)
- Attend and complete a personal finance and money management workshop series
- Participate and complete asset-specific ownership preparation training
- Support other employees through on-going peer support meetings
What additional support is available to me while in the program?
You will receive counseling along with assistance to help you open accounts, establish saving priorities, deal with credit issues, train for specific goals, and eventually obtain that goal.
Where will my money be deposited?
Currently, your money will be deposited with a major bank that has an agreement with the program. Your account will not be assessed any monthly service fees.
What if I need to withdraw my money from savings for an emergency?
Because IDA’s are intended to help you with the purchase of a home or business or to help pay for college withdrawals for other reasons are strongly discouraged. However, in certain emergency situations you may withdraw some of your money before you reach your goal. Such withdrawals would not include savings matches. At any time you may close your account, withdraw from the program and receive all of your savings and earned interest
Can I change my “saving” goal while in the program?
Yes, an individual may be allowed to change their goal. However, in order to receive matching funds you will have to achieve your goal. If you have sufficient time to complete the required training associated with the new goal and meet that goal, you will be given permission to change the goal.
How do I receive matching funds?
Matched funds will be made available to you when you are ready to purchase your asset. At that time a check will be issued directly to the company or institution furnishing all or a part of your asset.
Can my spouse participate in this program?
Yes, a household can open two accounts, therefore becoming eligible for up to $8000 in matching funds.
Will my participation in the IDA program affect my eligibility for other benefits?
No, the IDA account is not considered when determining eligibility or benefit levels for any federal benefit program.
Who offers this program in Northeast Florida?
Real$ense partner
- Northeast Florida Community Action Agency at 904-398-7472
To enroll, call Family Foundations at (904) 396-2228.
How can I apply to participate?
Contact the lead organization
- Northeast Florida Community Action Agency at 904-398-7472
To enroll, call Family Foundations at (904) 396-2228.
How do I sign up to volunteer with Real$ense?
Joining our dynamic team is easy! Start by creating a volunteer profile online or contact Linda Hemphill, Manager/Volunteers & Tax Sites at 904-390-3237 to learn more about our volunteer opportunities.
Do I have to do anything special to become a volunteer?
You will need to complete a training class in your area of interest and create an online profile. Tax preparers must also pass an IRS certification test upon completion of training.
How do I volunteer with AARP Tax-Aide?
AARP Tax-Aide has different volunteer training and time commitment requirements from VITA. Although local AARP Tax-Aide is part of the Real$ense coalition, AARP Tax-Aide volunteers are coordinated by Gene Bartels. For more information, email Gene Bartels.
How do I complete my volunteer profile online?
Click here to create a user name and password. You will then be directed to a profile page. Be sure to open all tabs within the profile page and provide as much information as possible, especially your area of volunteer interest, current employer or educational institution, and any friends you wish to refer. A Real$ense staff member will contact you promptly to follow up.
How much time is involved in volunteering?
Our Outreach/Speakers Bureau volunteers choose the number of events they wish to cover based on their schedule. There is no required number of events to attend. VITA tax site volunteers are asked to help at least 30 hours over the course of the entire tax season, which averages a few hours per week or 4-5 hours every other week (Jan 15-Apr 15). Financial education instructor volunteers are asked to commit to teaching classes as their schedule permits.
How long is the volunteer commitment?
We enjoy having volunteers and count on them to help us assist as many families as possible. Naturally, we hope our volunteers will help out regularly and return each year, but there is no required ongoing commitment.
How old do you have to be to volunteer?
Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age.
Does it cost anything to volunteer?
No. We provide all training and related materials free of charge.
Can I volunteer near my own neighborhood?
Yes. Real$ense offers tax preparation in seven counties and partners with financial education providers that offer classes in a variety of locations around Duval County. Outreach activities are held all over Jacksonville, as well.
What if my employer/school wants to volunteer as a group?
Volunteering with Real$ense is great team-building opportunity! We encourage friends, family members, and co-workers to sign up to volunteer in a project for your group to enjoy. Each member must be at least 18 years of age.
How do I log in to become a volunteer or check my record if I am already a volunteer?
New volunteers: Click here to create a volunteer profile. Current volunteers: Log onto http://www.myvolunteerpage.com to access your profile and its functionality. (Note: Online hours logging is only available to Outreach and VITA volunteers at this time.) Financial education volunteers are asked to coordinate with Anita McKinney, Duval County Extension Service, at 904-387-8850.
How do I know what my User ID and Password are for My Volunteer Page?
If you forget or misplace your user name and password, contact Tracy Glover, Real$ense Administrative Assistant, at 348-7577 for help resetting your password. If you remember your user name but forgot your password, visit www.myvolunteerpage.com and follow the Forgot Password prompts. (Note: Real$ense will be able to provide you with your user name, but will be unable to provide your password if you forget it. We can provide you a temporary password which you may continue using or reset to something more memorable.)
How do I log in my hours if I am already an active volunteer?
Logging in your hours is an important volunteer function. Your hours help Real$ense properly recognize your contribution and acknowledge your employer/educational institution support, provide feedback to our community partners, and help Real$ense plan for future endeavors as well as potentially secure outside funding for new volunteer opportunities.
- • Go to www.myvolunteerpage.com
- • Type in your User Name and Password to enter your profile.
- • Within your profile, click on the "My Hours Log” tab, then the “Log New Hours” tab.
- • Open the “Activity” dialogue box and select the activity you were engaged in, such as “4/15 Tax Blitz Day”; update the “Date Worked” box.
- • Indicate the number of hours worked.
- • Be sure to click "SAVE" after completing your data entry.
- • Repeat this process to log hours for each activity.
How do I check my hours to see if all the hours are listed?
Viewing your hours is an important feature of My Volunteer Page. As a volunteer you can access your record immediately. Reviewing your volunteer hours may be done through a sub-tab located within the “My Hours Log” section.
- • Go to www.myvolunteerpage.com
- • Type in your User Name and Password to enter your profile.
- • Click on the "My Hours Log” tab to review a 12 month summary of your hours.
- • Click on the "Detailed Report” tab. Enter a date range for a more thorough report.
What do I do if my hours are not correct or I made a mistake?
Correcting your volunteer hours may be done through a sub-tab located within the “My Hours Log” section:
- • Go to www.myvolunteerpage.com
- • Type in your User Name and Password to enter your profile.
- • Click on the "My Hours Log” tab, then the “Log New Hours” tab.
- • Open the “Activity” dialogue box and select the activity you wish to correct.
- • Update the “Date Worked” box.
- • Indicate the correct number of hours worked. Click “SAVE.”
- • This will create a new entry.
- • Within the “Log New Hours” section, locate the original entry bearing the incorrect number of hours. Click “Delete.”
If you have questions or need assistance, contact: Outreach/Speaker’s Bureau volunteers: Kim Ouellette, Special Projects Coordinator, 904-390-3276. Tax Site volunteers: Linda Hemphill, Manager/ Volunteers & Tax Sites, at 904-390-3237.
How do I find out about new volunteer opportunities?
You may review all current volunteer activities after you create a volunteer profile. Also, be sure to check out Real$ense on Facebook.
How do I receive communications via email?
If you are interested in receiving Real$ense correspondence, such as the e-Newsletter, e-Tip Sheet, and special announcements, contact Tracy Glover at 904-348-7577.
Can I receive written documentation of my hours for Community Service purposes?
Yes, Real$ense will be happy to provide documentation. Contact the staff member in your area(s) of volunteering:
Linda Hemphill, VITA volunteers: 904-390-3237 or lindah@uwnefl.org
Kim Ouellette, Outreach volunteers: 904-390-3276 or kimo@uwnefl.org
Anita McKinney, Financial education volunteers: 387-8850 or mckinney@coj.net
Gene Bartels, AARP Tax-Aide: jaxtaxvolunteer@bellsouth.net
