VITA volunteer at EBALDC - No experience required!

Want to learn new skills and contribute to your community? Perhaps even help folks navigate the confusing world of taxes? The 2023-2024 tax season is just around the corner!

Consider joining the EBALDC's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program (sponsored by United Way Bay Area and the Internal Revenue Service) and be prepared for the upcoming tax season. As a VITA volunteer, you will provide free tax assistance to low-to-moderate income individuals, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency. This is a unique opportunity to help these individuals and families access their tax refunds, save money on tax preparation and filing fees, comply with tax laws, and learn about financial literacy.

All training will be provided by EBALDC -- no prior tax experience is required at all!

As a VITA volunteer, your responsibilities will include:

1. Conducting intake interviews to understand each taxpayer's unique situation.

2. Preparing high-quality tax returns and answering tax-related questions.

3. Assisting taxpayers with electronically filing returns whenever possible.

4. Providing information about EBALDC and SparkPoint Oakland's income and social safety net related-services.

5. Reviewing completed returns for accuracy.

6. Encouraging clients to save a portion of their refund.

7. Maintaining confidentiality of taxpayer information.

Requirements and Qualifications:

1. Pass the Basic IRS certification test (Optional: Advanced IRS certification).

2. Pass the Standard of Conduct and Intake/Interview & Quality Review certifications.

3. Only prepare returns within your certification scope.

4. Read all communications and updates on tax requirements or procedural changes.

5. Respect client privacy and maintain accurate records of assistance provided.

6. Provide 24-hour cancellation notice if you're unable to volunteer at your site.

7. Ability to volunteer at least 4 hours/week, totaling at least 30 hours from late January to mid-April 2024.

8. Strong verbal communication skills, good interpersonal skills, and basic computer skills.

9. Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.

Interested?

Head over to this document and fill out the interest form. Be sure to also sign up for one of the info sessions on this document. 

We'll reach out to you with information about next steps. See you soon!

EBALDC has multiple tax sites: Asian Resource Center (Downtown Oakland, Oakland Chinatown), Lion Creek Crossings (Coliseum, Oakland), the 81st Avenue Branch Library (Fitchberg, Oakland), Laney College (Downtown Oakland), and the West Oakland Job Resource Center (West Oakland). You will have the opportunity to sign up for shifts at any of our sites, depending on your schedule.