Senate Bill 736 Summary

• Establishes a grant program through North Carolina Community Colleges to offer courses training students to become IRS-certified tax preparers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, with students earning hourly compensation during tax season (January-April 15).

• Appropriates $1,304,100 in nonrecurring funds and $570,100 in recurring funds for fiscal year 2023-2024 to community colleges for curriculum development, faculty support bonuses up to $1,500, personnel hiring, and work-based learning opportunities.

• Appropriates $50,000 in nonrecurring funds and $100,000 in recurring funds to the Department of Revenue for training and technical assistance to participating college personnel and students.

• Provides $840,000 in nonrecurring funds to the United Way of North Carolina to expand its VITA program, including increasing VITA locations, hiring staff, providing software and supplies, and creating multilingual marketing and financial education materials.

• Takes effect July 1, 2023, with unspent funds remaining available through June 30, 2025.