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Volunteer Tax Preparation Program

Two bureaus of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and the Financial Management Service (FMS), are working together to encourage the use of safer, easier payment options among low-income and elderly taxpayers who receive federal benefits by paper check. Direct deposit is generally the best option for people with bank accounts. For those without bank accounts, the Direct Express^® Debit MasterCard^® card offers a safe, more convenient alternative to paper checks for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments.

• IRS field staff and VITA coalitions: Safer, easier payments align with your asset-building objectives.
• Banks and credit unions: There’s a business and community relations case to participate in free tax preparation efforts.
• VITA and Tax Aide volunteers: Inform taxpayers about safer, easier ways to get their federal benefit payments.

Training and Site Materials 

• Program Overview – Outlines the impact of VITA and TCE involvement in the campaign in previous years and highlights ways to get involved
• PowerPoint – A PowerPoint presentation with information about Treasury’s campaign to promote the use of electronic payments for federal benefits
• Volunteer Guide – Reference guide for site volunteers
  
• Talking Points – For presentations, workshops or other speaking engagements
• Free Materials – View and download Go Direct campaign and Direct Express^® card materials
• Materials Order Form – Order free materials by filling out this form

• Go Direct Sign Up Page
• Direct Express card Sign Up Page
• About Go Direct
• About the Direct Express card
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) VITA and TCE programs explained
• National Community Tax Coalition
• Center on Budget and Policy Priorities

For more information, contact a Go Direct campaign representative at (952) 346-6055 or GoDirect@webershandwick.com.