A VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteer helps low- to moderate-income individuals and families—often including seniors, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency—prepare and file their federal and state income tax returns for free.
Here’s a breakdown of role options:
1. Tax Preparation and Filing
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Use IRS-provided software to prepare accurate returns.
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Ensure all eligible credits and deductions (like Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit) are claimed.
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E-file returns securely for clients.
2. Client Assistance and Education
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Interview taxpayers to gather necessary information and documents.
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Explain the return to the client in plain language before filing.
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Answer basic tax questions and provide general financial literacy tips.
3. Compliance and Confidentiality
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Follow IRS standards of conduct and maintain strict confidentiality with client information.
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Complete required IRS training and certification each tax season.
4. Team Collaboration
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Work with other volunteers, site coordinators, and quality reviewers to ensure returns are correct.
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Refer clients to other community resources when appropriate.
5. Optional Specializations
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Some VITA volunteers focus on appointment setting, intake, translation, greeter duties, or quality review instead of tax prep itself.
In short, a VITA volunteer isn’t just crunching numbers—they’re empowering people by helping them meet their tax obligations, potentially increase their refunds, and better understand their finances.
