VSCPA Tax Help Programs in Full Swing

Enhance the image of CPAs and the profession. Increase public understanding of the range of CPA services. Promote the integrity of the CPA designation. These are the goals of the VSCPA Public Relations Team. Basically, it’s our job to make sure the public knows what a great resource CPAs are.

Year round, hundreds of members volunteer for the VSCPA’s pro bono programs, which help increase the awareness of the diverse services that CPAs provide. Tax season is a great time to promote CPAs as the premier financial and tax experts because….you are!!

I’m really excited this year because the VSCPA tax programs are very popular among CPA volunteers and the public! Here are some of the activities that are keeping volunteers busy this tax season:

”Ask a CPA” E-mail Program
Through the “Ask a CPA” E-mail Program, VSCPA members provide free online tax advice to anyone filing federal or state tax returns in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Taxpayers can get answers to their questions by submitting an e-mail at http://www.financialfitness.org/. CPA volunteers provide answers to tax questions within three business days and have answered 31 tax questions so far this year.

NBC12 Tax Call-In
Also this year, VSCPA members are participating in the NBC12 Tax Call-In Program in Richmond. This is one of the first on-air programs staffed exclusively by VSCPA members. The NBC12 Tax Call-In allows viewers to receive free tax advice from CPA volunteers during the evening news broadcast. This live call-in is held every Wednesday night for six weeks. So far this season, VSCPA volunteers have answered more than 600 questions via phone and live blog.

Roanoke tax events
In February and March each year, a live tax interview is broadcast over the airwaves of the WVTF Public Radio Station in Roanoke. VSCPA members field calls from WVTF listeners and provide answers to tax questions on the air. The next show is scheduled in late March.

Tax Time is an annual program that combines a tax call-in with a lively panel discussion. This event is held in February on Blue Ridge Public Television (WBRA) in Roanoke. Check out these videos of your colleagues participating in this year’s program!

Media interviews
CPAs are really in demand this time of year, especially with the news media. With so many tax changes for the 2009 tax year, reporters need your expertise. VSCPA members have participated in 13 media interviews on tax-related topics so far this year.

As you can see, VSCPA tax experts are busy right now!! They’re helping clients and volunteering time to assist the public. These programs are only made possible by our members who generously volunteer their time. Thank YOU!

We would love to have you! The VSCPA welcomes new volunteers for tax programs and financial literacy programs year round. If you’re interested in volunteering, please fill out this online form.