The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income individuals and families. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
Do you enjoy helping others? Become a VITA volunteer!
VITA is currently looking for volunteers to serve as certified tax preparers for the 2024 tax season. You will receive training from an expert IRS agent and be equipped with the know-how you need to confidently prepare taxes for yourself and fellow community residents. Scheduling is flexible so you can volunteer during a time that is convenient for you!
Quick Facts about Volunteering with VITA:
Do I need to have previous tax preparation experience?
You don’t need any previous tax preparation or accounting experience. We provide free IRS-certified training and the tax software will guide you every step of the way.
What is the time commitment?
We ask for a commitment of at least 4 to 6 hours per week. The hours are flexible so you can select the days and times that are convenient for you.
Where are the VITA sites?
This year we have 8 locations in Leon County. You can choose to volunteer at a site that is convenient to where you live or work. Where you volunteer is up to you.
When are VITA sites open?
Hours of operation vary by VITA site location. See homepage for locations and times.
Become a Tax Preparer for VITA
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income individuals and families. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals. Volunteers will receive free specialized tax law training and materials to become IRS-certified tax preparer. Volunteers will be able to choose from a variety of locations and times (four to six hours per week) that fit your schedule from February to Mid-April. No prior experience is needed. Scheduling information/sign-up will be provided in December. Please let me know if you have any questions.
If you are interested in becoming a tax preparer for VITA, please complete the following steps. I have attached the forms.
- Complete and return attached Volunteer Profile Sheet
- Complete IRS Online Certification Training (Available Late November)
- Choose and attend in-person training. Trainings are held at the United Way office (307 East 7th Avenue)
Training Schedule-PLEASE BRING YOUR LABTOP TO TRAINING (LABTOPS CAN BE PROVIDED IF REQUESTED)
December 13, 2024- 12:30pm-5:00pm (Laws, Policy, and Procedures)
December 14, 2024- 10:00am-4:00pm (Certification Test Review)
January 24, 2025- 12:00pm-5:00pm (Laws, Policy, and Procedures)
January 25, 2025- 10:00am-4:00pm (Certification Test Review)
January 25, 2025- 4:00pm-6:00pm (Mock Returns-Required for New Volunteers)
*Lunch and snacks will be provided
Training Sign-Up
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0949ACAD2FA6FFC16-52783358-vita
Other Volunteer Options
VITA Client Greeter (can be high school student)- Certification Not Required
- Times Vary depending on site (4-6 hours per week)
- 5-10 people
- Greets clients
- Helps with sign-in and scheduling on site
- Supplies forms to clients as they wait
VITA Appointment Scheduler (can be high school student)-Certification Not Required
- 1-2 times per week:3 to 4 hours
- 2-3 people
- Schedules appointments using online system
- Returns phone call to schedule appointments
How can I get more information?
For more information and to register to become a VITA volunteer, please download and complete the Volunteer Profile Sheet and email to CommunityImpact@uwbb.org or for more information please call (850) 414-0844, option 4