Position Description
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides free tax preparation services to individuals and families with low to moderate incomes, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. Certified volunteers help community members file their federal, state, and local tax returns accurately and securely, ensuring they receive all eligible credits and refunds (such as the Earned Income Tax Credit).
Roles/Responsibilities
Volunteers serve in a variety of roles. Tax preparers complete IRS training and assist clients with preparing and filing accurate returns. Greeters and screeners welcome clients, review paperwork, and make sure they have the proper documents. Quality reviewers double-check completed returns for accuracy and compliance with IRS standards. Interpreters and translators assist taxpayers with limited English proficiency, ensuring clear communication throughout the process. Finally, site coordinators and support volunteers oversee site operations, manage scheduling, and provide assistance to both clients and volunteers to ensure everything runs smoothly.
Time Commitment/Availability
The time commitment for volunteers is flexible. Most roles require just a few hours a week during tax season (January–April), and training is provided in advance. Volunteers can choose shifts that fit their schedules, with many sites offering evening and weekend hours.
Required Qualifications
Qualifications vary by role. All volunteers should have strong interpersonal and communication skills, a willingness to work with diverse community members, and a commitment to confidentiality. Tax preparers and quality reviewers must complete free IRS training and certification, but no prior tax experience is required. Greeters, screeners, interpreters, and support volunteers do not need tax knowledge, only organizational and people skills. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old and comfortable using computers.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred qualifications for VITA volunteers include prior experience in customer service, education, or community service, as these backgrounds often prepare individuals to work effectively with the public. Attention to detail and strong problem-solving skills are especially valuable for tax preparers and quality reviewers, while organizational skills are helpful for greeters, screeners, and site coordinators. Volunteers with experience in financial services, bookkeeping, or tax preparation bring an added benefit, though no prior tax knowledge is required. Comfort with technology and basic computer skills are important across all roles, and bilingual or multilingual abilities are highly preferred to support taxpayers with limited English proficiency. Leadership or supervisory experience is also beneficial for site coordinators and quality reviewers, and the ability to remain calm and efficient during busy site hours helps ensure a smooth volunteer experience.
Ready to Volunteer?
In person and virtual volunteer opportunities are available. Learn more at: https://www.unitedway-york.org/
To apply as a volunteer, please contact TaTyana Abreu at tabreu@unitedway-york.org.
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