Frequently Asked Questions: Volunteering for VITA

Do I need to be a CPA to volunteer?
No, anyone can volunteer.

What is the time commitment to become a dedicated volunteer?
After training has concluded, we ask for one shift, 3-5 hours per week. Training to become a greeter takes two hours. Training to become a tax preparer consists of 10 hours of classroom training and an additional 20+ hours of self-study.

Which site will I be assigned to?
You select the site you find most convenient.

Can I change my volunteer schedule if I need to?
Absolutely, you are in charge of your schedule. You will schedule yourself using SignUp.com.

What are my training options?
Self-study or classroom training. We offer two classroom training sessions in December. Usually a work evening from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. for five weeks or a Saturday morning session from 8:00 a.m. – noon for three weeks. If you haven't volunteered with VITA in the past, we ask that you attend classroom training.

I have a friend that volunteers. Could we sign up for the same shifts?
Absolutely, the buddy system works great!

What if I don't know the answer to a question a taxpayer asks?
You will be fully supported by the other volunteers and site leaders, who can help at any time. You will also have your training materials available. In addition, we assign all new volunteers a mentor for the first few weeks of the tax season.

How many clients can I expect to assist during the tax season?
We anticipate one client per hour, so anywhere from 36 to 100, depending on how many times you volunteer per week.

What if I get hungry? Can I bring a snack?
Sure, but we also have a variety of snacks available for you. In addition, we have a refrigerator and microwave for convenience. Coffee and water are provided for volunteers.

What if I don’t pass the certification test to become a tax preparer?
You will receive two chances to take the test but may also choose to become a greeter.

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