Volunteer for United Way Erie FREE Taxes

Through host tax preparation sites called Volunteer Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, eligible tax payers are able to have their income tax return completed and electronically filed for free.

VITA sites are staffed by volunteers certified by the IRS to prepare basic and intermediate-level tax returns. If you have former tax preparation experience, you are encouraged to consider this wonderful volunteer opportunity. If you do not have prior experience preparing taxes, training is provided. Not all VITA volunteers are required to be IRS certified.

Volunteer Opportunities

Tax Preparer

Provides free basic tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers. Skills: basic tax knowledge (Forms 1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ), basic training and certification provided, basic computer skills; dependability and flexibility.

Volunteer Site Coordinator

Provides coordination, organization, and supervision for all aspects of the Volunteer Tax Program site locations, including assisting with the establishment of site(s), providing on-site review of all tax returns completed at the tax site, overseeing the site(s) operation during the tax season. Skills: organizational and leadership skills, basic tax knowledge (Forms 1040, 1040A, 1040 EZ), basic tax training and certification provided, basic computer skills.

Volunteer Interpreter

Provides free interpreter services to customers at a volunteer Tax site (non-English speaking and hearing impaired). Skills: experienced interpreter, basic tax knowledge is helpful not required, basic tax training and certification will be provided if requested, dependability and flexibility, works well with the public.

Volunteer Screener (non-certified)

Provides support to the Volunteer Tax Preparers, performs free screening of all taxpayers to ensure the customer has the necessary information required to complete his/her return, can check returns to make sure that the Site Identification Number is entered correctly and the Paid Preparer’s Section of the tax form. Skills: ability to work with the public, dependability and flexibility.

Intake Greeter

Manages the flow of the tax site by handing out forms, answering basic questions and directing taxpayers to the next available tax prepare. Skills: ability to work with the public, dependability and flexibility.

Volunteer Quality Reviewer

Provides timely on-site review of tax returns completed at a VITA site to ensure the tax returns are error-free. Skills: certification in basic and intermediate tax law, computer literacy, dependability and flexibility

(full job descriptions available upon request)