How AmeriCorps Recovered $84 Million in Tax Relief for Families
AmeriCorps volunteers helped families receive $84 million in tax breaks. Here’s how the organization did it and how you can get involved in your community.
During the 2023 tax filing season, AmeriCorps volunteers assisted more than 113,000 families across the country in receiving more than $84 million in tax relief. AmeriCorps was able to accomplish this by teaming up with local organizations.
Tax Help Colorado, Mile High United Way was one of the many organizations AmeriCorps partnered with during the 2023 tax filing season, and Senior Director Nathan Davis expressed how valuable the partnership with AmeriCorps has been.
“There’s always a degree of unpredictability” when it comes to volunteer tax preparation, said Davis in a news release. The “partnership with AmeriCorps takes the guesswork out of that equation.”
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
What Does AmeriCorps Do?
AmeriCorps is a federal agency that allows volunteers to serve their communities and the country. In 2023, volunteers assisted 130 communities across the nation in receiving the tax credits (such as the EIC), deductions, and tax refunds they were entitled to. The countrywide effort resulted in more than $84 million in tax relief for more than 113,000 families with lower incomes.
- AmeriCorps NCCC members (young adult volunteers) assisted in returning $15 million to communities through more than 13,000 tax returns.
- In Denver, volunteers completed 1,525 tax returns for 2,288 people and returned over $2.9 million to Americans.
- AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers (age 55 and older) provided tax preparation services to more than 101,000 taxpayers.
Tax preparation is not the only service AmeriCorps provides. The agency also assists with disaster relief, education, affordable housing, and more. These services would not be possible without the 200,000 AmeriCorps volunteers. While the 2023 tax season has come to an end for most people, the agency is accepting applications for other volunteer positions.
Do AmeriCorps Members Get Paid?
Becoming an AmeriCorps volunteer and making a positive impact on your community can offer personal fulfilment. But volunteers are eligible for other benefits.
- Members may receive a living allowance.
- Members may receive educational assistance and student loan interest repayment.
- AmeriCorps may provide supplemental health insurance (available for most programs).
- Supplemental accident and liability insurance is also available.
- Childcare benefits are available to some members.
Who is Eligible to Serve in AmeriCorps?
You don’t have to be a tax professional to make an impact through AmeriCorps. The agency has two requirements for serving in AmeriCorps State and National.
- Be at least 17 years of age (no upper age limit)
- Be a U.S. citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident Alien
Open volunteer positions and information about how to apply can be found on the AmeriCorps website or by calling the national hotline at 1-800-942-2677.
To continue reading this article
please register for free
This is different from signing in to your print subscription
Why am I seeing this? Find out more here
Katelyn has more than 6 years’ experience working in tax and finance. While she specializes in tax content, Katelyn has also written for digital publications on topics including insurance, retirement and financial planning and has had financial advice commissioned by national print publications. She believes that knowledge is the key to success and enjoys helping others reach their goals by providing content that educates and informs.
-
Stock Market Today: Nasdaq Pops as Semiconductor Stocks Soar
The main indexes closed higher Monday after a bull call on Micron boosted several large-cap chipmakers.
By Karee Venema Published
-
Having Enough Money for Retirement Still a Top Concern, But Moods Are Changing
A new Gallup poll shows Americans are still concerned about having enough money for retirement, but there are some changes from last year.
By Alexandra Svokos Last updated