Volunteer Roles & Requirements

Training Topics:

• Customer service best practices
• Document checklist and screening procedures
• Overview of site operations and flow

Estimated Training Time: 2-3 hours
 

Training Topics:

• Basics of tax site operations
• Language interpretation tips and techniques
• Glossary of tax-related terms

Estimated Training Time: 1-2 hours
 

Training Topics:

• Volunteer Standards of Conduct exam
• Intake/Interview & Quality Review process
• Advanced Tax Law Certification:
  • Filing status, dependents, credits (e.g., Childcare Tax Credit, Earned Income Credit)
  • Common deductions and income types
  • Use of electronic tax filing software

Estimated Training Time: 15-20 hours
 

Training Topics:

• Site leadership and management skills
• Volunteer Standards of Conduct exam
• Scheduling tools and coordination strategies
• Overview of tax site logistics (supplies, equipment, troubleshooting)
• Optional Tax Law Certification (depending on site needs)

Estimated Training Time: 8-10 hours

Minimum of TWO YEARS tax preparation experience needed for this role. 

Training Topics:

• Advanced Tax Law Certification: Same topics as Tax Preparer training
• Detailed walkthrough of quality review process
• Common errors and how to correct them
• IRS Quality Standards and taxpayer communication

Estimated Training Time: 12-15 hours
 

Marketing & Outreach

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.

Community Outreach

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.

Operations

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

Community Building

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

Technical Support

Assist with setting up laptops, printers, and secure internet connections at tax sites prior to opening days, and act as a point of contact for basic hardware or software troubleshooting during clinics.

Client Experience

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.