(a) This Subpart H contains the rules for implementation of the Tax Counseling for the Elderly assistance program under section 163 of the Revenue Act of 1978, Pub. L. 95-600, November 6, 1978 (92 Stat. 2810). Section 163 authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury, through the Internal Revenue Service, to enter into agreements with private or public non-profit agencies or organizations for the purpose of providing training and technical assistance to prepare volunteers to provide tax counseling assistance for elderly individuals, age 60 and over, in the preparation of their Federal income tax returns.

(b) Section 163 provides that the Secretary may provide:

(1) Preferential access to Internal Revenue Service taxpayer service representatives for the purpose of making available technical information needed during the course of the volunteers' work;

(2) Publicity for making elderly persons aware of the availability of volunteer taxpayer return preparation assistance programs under this section; and

(3) Technical materials and publications to be used by such volunteers.

(c) In carrying out responsibilities under section 163, the Secretary, through the Internal Revenue Service is also authorized:

(1) To provide assistance to organizations which demonstrate, to the satisfaction of the Secretary, that their volunteers are adequately trained and competent to render effective tax counseling to the elderly in the preparation of Federal income tax returns;

(2) To provide for the training of such volunteers, and to assist in such training, to ensure that such volunteers are qualified to provide tax counseling assistance to elderly individuals in the preparation of Federal income tax returns;

(3) To provide reimbursement to volunteers through such organizations for transportation, meals, and other expenses incurred by them in training or providing tax counseling assistance in the preparation of Federal income tax returns under this section, and such other support and assistance determined to be appropriate in carrying out the provisions of the section;

(4) To provide for the use of services, personnel, and facilities of Federal executive agencies and State and local public agencies with their consent, with or without reimbursement; and

(5) To prescribe rules and regulations necessary to carry out the provisions of the section.

(d) With regard to the employment status of volunteers, section 163 also provides that service as a volunteer in any program carried out under this section shall not be considered service as an employee of the United States. Volunteers under such a program shall not be subject to the provisions of law relating to Federal employment, except that the provisions relating to the illegal disclosure of income or other information punishable under section 1905 of title 18, United States Code, shall apply to volunteers as if they were employees of the United States.