Volunteer Roles & Requirements

Welcomes clients, verifies appointments, confirms client has all tax documents such as IDs, SSN, income docs etc. Reviews intake sheets for completeness, and manages site flow.​

Responsibilities:​

• Greet Clients​

• Document Verification ​

• Client Intake​

• Site Flow Management​

• Confidentiality and Security​

Certification Requirements:​

IRS Certification Tests: All VITA volunteers must pass IRS certification tests. Your role as a​ Greeter/Intake Specialist requires passing the following:​

• Volunteer Standards Code of Conduct​

• Intake Interview/Quality Review​

Estimated Training Time: 2-3 hours
 

Works one on one with tax clients, conducts interviews, verifies documents, and accurately prepares returns​.

Responsibilities:​

• Tax Preparation​

• Client Interviews​

• Quality Review​

• Client Education​

• Compliance and Confidentiality​

​Certification Requirements: All VITA Tax Preparers must pass IRS certification tests, including:​

• Volunteer Standard of Conduct (VSOC)​

• Intake/Interview & Quality Review​

• Basic and/or Advanced IRS Certification (depending on the level of tax returns prepared)​

Estimated Training Time: 15-20 hours

Provides direct support at tax sites or virtually by translating conversations to ensure language barriers are overcome.​

Responsibilities:​

• Greet clients ​

• Provide interpretation and translation services​

Certification Requirements:​

IRS Certification Tests: All VITA volunteers must pass IRS certification tests. Your role as a​n Interpreter requires passing the following:​

• ​Volunteer Standard of Conduct​

• Intake Interview/Quality Review​

Estimated Training Time: 1-2 hours

Manages daily operations, oversees volunteer support and compliance, and handles final return transmissions.​

Responsibilities:​

• Monitor tax site ​

• Transmit returns​

• Conduct a quality review (QR) ​

• Answer taxpayer questions​

Certification Requirements: All VITA Tax Preparers must pass IRS certification tests, including:​

• Volunteer Standard of Conduct (VSOC)​

• Intake/Interview & Quality Review​

• Advanced Tax Law IRS Certification​

• Site Coordinator ​

Estimated Training Time: 8-10 hours

Represent the program at local university career fairs, community center boards, and neighborhood association meetings to talk directly with prospective volunteers, hand out flyers, and build partnerships with local businesses or student groups.

Manage or assist with local social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn), take photos/videos during events, design promotional graphics using tools like Canva, and draft engaging posts to highlight volunteer spotlights and tax season reminders.

Take charge of organizing volunteer appreciation events, welcome barbecues, and year-end celebrations. Responsibilities include coordinating venue details, and gathering food/potluck sign-ups.

Help review intake materials for plain-language readability, coordinate translation or interpretation resources for limited English-speaking taxpayers, and ensure physical tax sites meet accessibility best practices.

REQUIRED TRAINING: Volunteer Standards of Conduct and Intake & Interview

Help manage Zoom breakout rooms or in-person classroom seating, print and organize training materials, and track participant attendance during the onboarding process.

REQUIRED TRAINING: Tax Law Certification

Assist with setting up laptops, printers, and secure internet connections at tax sites prior to opening days.

REQUIRED TRAINING: Volunteer Standards of Conduct