Chandler is in need of people like you to become a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteer during the tax season (late January to April 15). As a volunteer tax preparer, you will be part of a tremendous effort that brings millions of dollars into the homes of low-income families and the Chandler economy.
This income boost helps families afford food, pay utility bills and even save for homeownership. Last year (2021 tax returns) more than $6.9 million dollars in tax refunds were brought back to our community through this program.
Services are provided free of charge to all clients of the VITA program.
No Professional Experience Needed
Only the spirit of volunteerism is needed! All required training for any position will be provided at no cost to all volunteers prior to the beginning of the tax season.
Flexible Hours
You can volunteer daytime, evening and/or weekends. Inquire at Mesa United Way volunteer. Hours and locations of our VITA sites for this coming tax season (2022 tax returns) will be posted soon.
No Liability
Volunteers are covered by the Federal Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.
Gain Experience
This is a great and unique opportunity for those who want to gain new professional experience or perhaps share the wealth of experience they already have. All while helping families in need.
Responsible for providing tax return preparation services to eligible taxpayers at a VITA site.
- Prepare basic 1040 tax returns and related schedules for eligible customers
- Interview taxpayer to determine that all income, deductions and allowable credits are claimed
- Answer tax related questions
Qualifications
Complete and be certified in tax law training (Basic, Advanced & Optional Specialty courses), and learn to use the electronic filing software.
Interpreters aid VITA clients by working alongside the tax clients and tax preparers by providing complimentary interpretation services at VITA sites. Interpreters are always an asset to a site.
Qualifications
- Be fluent in speaking both English and another language e.g. Spanish, Mandarin, Tagalog, American Sign Language or others.
- Be friendly and dependable
- Standards of Conduct test
Responsible for greeting and performing the initial screening of the taxpayers
- Welcome taxpayers to site and sign them in
- Ensure that taxpayers have all the information needed to complete their tax returns, including the completed intake-interview form, all income documents and survey forms
- Answer non-tax related questions
- Monitor site traffic to ensure all taxpayers checking in receive assistance
- Inform taxpayers about and share flyers for benefits screening, prescription benefits cards, upcoming financial education classes, and other resources for which they may be eligible
Qualifications
- Standards of Conduct test
Want to Participate? Contact the VITA Coordinator for more information and a training schedule. Volunteers are requested to volunteer for at least 25 hours during the tax season (3-5 hours/week)