Volunteering

Volunteer Tax Preparers Needed

We need volunteer tax preparers to meet out mission this year: All the eligible taxpayers in Pierce County will get the expanded tax credits created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Millions of dollars are at stake for households that need the money!

Our Volunteers are Trained to:

• Prepare tax forms and answer tax questions
• Inform qualifying taxpayers about the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit
• File returns electronically for a quick turnaround on refunds

Qualifications

You don’t need to be an accountant to volunteer—just be willing to give of your time for training and staffing the VITA sites.

Volunteer tax preparers must pass an open book IRS test to be certified by the IRS for the purpose of providing tax assistance.  Our training program includes a combination of on-line practice and classroom Process-Based Training (PBT). You will be involved in roleplaying of typical scenarios that may be seen at VITA sites. You will be supported at the site by a knowledgeable site manager.

Terms of Service

Volunteers are certified for the tax season, January 20 to April 15.  We ask that volunteers contribute forty hours of service time at the VITA sites and “Super Saturday” events during the tax season.

Benefits to Volunteers

• Acquire basic tax law knowledge and practical experience e-filing tax returns
• Participating student volunteers receive a letter of acknowledgement and a certificate of appreciation from the IRS.  Course credit and service learning credit may also be available through your school.
• Work with highly motivated individuals of all ages, races, ethnic groups, income levels, interests, and educational backgrounds
• Enjoy the satisfaction that your efforts will help a family acquire extra money to meet their vital needs--to get an apartment, make car repairs, get child care, enroll in college or vocational classes, start a savings account.
• Volunteering with the VITA program is one of the most engaging and challenging community service activities that you will ever undertake.

Want to Volunteer?