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What is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program?

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VITA is an IRS program implemented through the statewide Earn It. Keep It. Save It. campaign by local community coalitions and non-profits that provide free tax preparation services to low-income households. Volunteers work with tax filers to ensure that the tax filer receives all of the credits to which they are entitled, including the EITC. Volunteers serve as greeters, translators, tax preparers, site coordinators, or as financial resources specialists. IRS approved training and certification leads to volunteer confidence and the ability to prepare an accurate return, where the client ultimately receives all the tax credits they qualify for. Host agencies provide site management, on-going volunteer support, and often offer additional services (referral information) that help clients improve their financial stability.

Why Should I Become a VITA Volunteer?

Serving at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site is a very rewarding opportunity and offers a unique way to strengthen your community. On average each hour volunteered brings in over $1,400 in refunds back to our community. By joining the VITA team to assist low-to-moderate income families you will help create a WIN, WIN, WIN situation.
The Client Wins
  • Taxes prepared for free
  • Tax return filed accurately
  • Information on financial education and asset building resources
The Community Wins
  • Tax dollars spent locally helps Utah businesses & the economy
  • Stronger households financially
  • Increased home ownership
The Volunteer Wins
  • Great opportunity to give back
  • Cool thing to add to resume
  • Stronger community to live in
  • Learn skills to prepare own return

Step 1 - Choose a position

We need volunteers in Salt Lake to help answer VITA calls!
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Tax Preparer


Hello, I’m a certified preparer at a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site here in Utah. After receiving IRS sponsored training and becoming certified I used professional software to prepare basic tax returns for low- to moderate-income households in my community. Using an intake and interview process helped me to ensure that the taxpayers received all the tax credits they were eligible for. During the tax season I generally helped 3 hours per week and helped numerous households. Free training is provided by the IRS prior to the season, with both classroom and online self-study opportunities.
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Greeter and Intake Specialist

Hello, we’re greeters at a VITA site here in Utah. Our role is to help tax filers feel welcome and to ensure that they are well prepared for the service. Once the client is greeted, we assist them with completing a short survey (in-take form) that ensures that their return is prepared accurately. As most clients are worried about having their taxes done, it is important that we have good people or customer service skills to help them along. Greeters also work with the Site Coordinator to ensure the site runs smoothly and the taxpayer has a positive experience. During the tax season we generally help out 3 hours per week. This is a very import role for a successful VITA Site. Training may be required at some sites.
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Financial Resource Specialist

Hello, I’m a financial resource specialist volunteer at a VITA site here in Utah. My role is to provide information and referrals to low- to moderate-income households at free tax preparation sites about asset building opportunities and other community resources, such as housing, healthcare, and food assistance. Using my good people skills I make suggestions to tax clients on how their refund might be used to increase financial well being. During the tax season I will generally help out 3 hours per week. No certification required. Training and provided at some sites.
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Interpreter

Provide interpretation services to aid in the preparation of tax returns at VITA Sites. Volunteers who speak Spanish are in high demand, other languages are also needed. No training required.
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VITA Site Coordinator

Supervises and coordinates the efforts of VITA volunteers at a VITA tax site. The Site Coordinator works with the Regional VITA Coordinator to ensure the site has adequate volunteers and materials and that the IRS quality standards are implemented. It is preferable that the Site Coordinator has previous VITA experience or a strong background in tax preparation. Site Coordinators often have the role of the Transmitter also. Training and Certification: Classroom and/or self-study training is available. The IRS certification process is an on-line application that is self paced and open book. A short Site Coordinator training is also required.

Step 2 - Find a location

You can volunteer all over the state! With as many as 83 sites throughout Utah you will be able to volunteer and stay in your neighborhood. When you sign up to become a VITA volunteer you can let us know where you would like to volunteer and we will get you in contact with the Regional Coordinator in your area.

Step 3 - Sign up to volunteer

VOLUNTEER NOW!

For more information or questions on volunteering contact us!