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Become a Volunteer
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The Minnesota Department of Revenue is looking for volunteers throughout Minnesota to provide tax assistance to people with disabilities, low income, limited English-speaking abilities, and seniors. No experience is needed, and we will provide required training and resources. Learn more about taxes while gaining valuable work experience and serving your community!
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Opportunities are available from January to April 15, and they include:
- Greeter/Screener – You greet everyone visiting the site to create a pleasant atmosphere. You screen taxpayers to determine the type of assistance they need and confirm they have the necessary documents to complete their tax returns. Tax law certification is not required for this position.
- Interpreter – You provide free language interpreter services to customers who are not fluent in English. Basic tax knowledge is helpful, but it is not required for this position.
- Site Administrator/Coordinator – You have excellent organizational and leadership skills. You are the primary resource for sharing your knowledge of the program and are available to assist with any issues that may arise. You develop and maintain schedules for all volunteers to ensure adequate coverage, supplies and equipment at your site. Tax law certification is not always required for this position.
- Tax Preparer – You complete and successfully certify in tax law training, including the use of electronic filing software, to provide free tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers.
- Quality Reviewer – You review tax returns completed by volunteer tax preparers, ensuring that every taxpayer receives top quality service and that the tax returns are error-free. You must be tax law certified at least at the Intermediate level.
- Computer Specialist or troubleshooter – You have a working knowledge of personal computers, software and communications systems. Tax law certification is not required for this position. If working at a self-prepare site you must become familiar with the various tax software option(s) available at your site. Although you may have less taxpayer interaction than most volunteers, you must be patient with those individuals who may not be as computer literate.
- Tax Coach – You provide tax law assistance and guide taxpayers in preparing their own tax returns. Tax law certification is required for this volunteer role and training is available on-line or through face-to-face instruction.
- Instructor – You complete online certification in tax law at the advanced level or higher and familiarize yourself with any software updates before instructing other volunteers. You will conduct classes online or in a classroom setting.
- Marketing – If you like marketing, many partners would love to use those skills to market their tax-preparation locations to the community.
You can volunteer with either:
- VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program: VITA completes simple tax returns during weekday evenings and Saturdays. Revenue and various community organizations support this program.
- AARP Tax-Aide Program: AARP Tax-Aide provides free tax assistance during daytime hours on weekdays. AARP supports this program.
Complete our online form or call us at 651-556-6389. We will reach out and put you in touch with volunteer tax preparation sites near you.
You can earn continuing education (CE) credits if you have any of these professional statuses:
- Enrolled Agent (EA)
- Certified Financial Planner (CFP)
- California Tax Education Council (CTEC)
- Non-credentialed tax return preparer participating in the IRS Annual Filing Season Program (AFSP)
Attorneys and Certified Public Accountants may also qualify for CE credits depending on their state licensing requirements or National Boards of Standards.
For details on earning CE credits through the VITA program, call us at 651-556-6389.
