What Volunteers Do

You don’t need tax or financial experience—just a willingness to learn and a heart for service. We provide free IRS-certified training, flexible schedules, and volunteer roles for every comfort level, including greeter, intake specialist, interpreter, site support, and tax preparer. 

Each return completed puts money back into the pockets of Indiana families and fuels local economic growth. Your time can change someone’s financial year—and sometimes their life.

 

Location: [Your Location or Service Area]

Reports to: Site Coordinator

Position Summary:

The VITA Intake Specialist serves as clients’ first point of contact at the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. They are responsible for greeting clients, helping them complete necessary intake forms, and ensuring clients have all required documentation for tax preparation. This role is crucial for creating a welcoming, efficient environment to help clients feel supported and informed throughout their tax filing process.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Greet clients warmly and professionally upon arrival.
  • Assist clients in completing intake forms and answer basic questions about the process.
  • Verify that clients have required documentation (e.g., identification, income statements, and proof of expenses).
  • Maintain confidentiality of client information.
  • Organize client paperwork and maintain order in the waiting area.
  • Collaborate with tax preparers to ensure smooth handoffs of client files.
  • Track client check-in and wait times, providing updates as needed.

Qualifications:

  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to provide excellent customer service.
  • Comfortable handling confidential information with professionalism.
  • Attention to detail and strong organizational skills.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations.
  • Basic computer skills are a plus.
  • Must pass intake and ethics test with IRS. Training will be provided.

VITA Tax Preparer

Position: VITA Tax Preparer Basic and Advanced options volunteers

Location: [Your Location or Service Area]

Reports to: Site Coordinator

Position Summary:

The VITA Tax Preparer provides free tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families. This role involves reviewing financial information, preparing accurate tax returns, and ensuring clients receive the maximum benefit while complying with all IRS regulations. Training is provided, and preparers will use IRS-certified software to complete returns.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Prepare accurate federal and state tax returns using IRS-provided software.
  • Conduct thorough reviews of financial documentation (e.g., W-2s, 1099s).
  • Consult with clients to clarify tax questions and explain the process and outcome.
  • Ensure compliance with IRS guidelines and confidentiality standards.
  • Work with intake staff to manage client flow and address missing documentation.
  • Attend training sessions to maintain VITA certification and stay updated on tax law changes.

Qualifications:

  • Completing IRS VITA certification at Basic or Advanced levels (training provided).
  • Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
  • Effective communication skills to work with clients and simply explain complex information.
  • Comfort with computer-based tax preparation software.
  • Ability to work with diverse populations.