Become a Volunteer

Opportunities available from January 1 to April 15 include:

• Greeter – Welcome everyone visiting the site to create a pleasant and inviting atmosphere. Determine the type of assistance taxpayers need and confirm they have the necessary documents to complete their tax returns. 
• Interpreter – Provide free language interpreter services to taxpayers who are not fluent in English. Basic tax knowledge is helpful, but it is not required for this position.
• Computer Specialist – Help volunteers and taxpayers navigate tax software. Computer Specialists have a working knowledge of personal computers, software, and communications systems. 
• Marketing – Promote the free tax site. Must be skilled in community outreach and creating marketing materials.

Certain volunteer opportunities require IRS training and exams:

• Site Coordinator – Program experts and excellent problem solvers. Coordinators develop and maintain schedules for all volunteers and ensure the site has enough supplies and equipment. Coordinators must pass the Site Coordinator exam.
• Tax Preparer – Complete federal and state income tax and property tax refund returns. Preparers enter information from taxpayer documents into tax software to prepare returns. Tax law certification is required. 
• Quality Reviewer – Examine tax returns completed by volunteer tax preparers, ensuring each return is correct and free of errors. Reviewers must be tax law certified at least at the Intermediate level.
• Tax Coach – Provide technical guidance to volunteers preparing returns for taxpayers. Coaches also assist taxpayers filling out their own returns. Tax law certification is required.
• Instructor – Train volunteers to prepare and file federal and state income tax returns and property tax refund returns. Instructors teach classes online or in person. Instructors must pass the advance exam. 

 We offer two volunteer programs:

• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program
• AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) Tax-Aide Program

Complete our online form or call us at 651-556-6600. We will 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 work directly with your site coordinator.