Nonprofit
IRC San Diego - Tax Preparation Volunteer
Details
Description
SCOPE OF WORK
The IRC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers FREE tax preparation services to individuals and families with incomes below the national average, helping them maximize their tax returns. As a volunteer, you’ll play a crucial role in guiding these individuals and families through the tax preparation process and connecting them with other IRC resources when needed. You’ll work one-on-one with clients, assisting them in understanding and navigating the complexities of tax preparation.
NO TAX EXPERIENCE NEEDED:
As part of the VITA program, training will be provided with support from the IRC to become an IRS-certified VITA volunteer. This training includes a self-paced online curriculum with one-on-one assistance from IRC staff. It’s a fantastic opportunity to develop tax preparation skills while helping families and individuals who can greatly benefit from your expertise.
BENEFITS OF VOLUNTEERING
- Training provided
- Gain experience in tax preparation and customer service.
- Obtain certification as a volunteer income tax preparer, including a certificate of completion from IRC at end of tax season.
- Have opportunities to connect with fellow volunteers and IRC staff with similar interests and career goals.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Prior to tax season (Beginning in Mid-November)
- Complete tax preparation training and pass the IRS VITA certification exam at the advanced level.
- Attend IRC Volunteer Orientation.
- Communicate promptly with Volunteer Coordinator and VITA Supervisor.
Starting in January 2027
- Prepare Federal and State tax returns in person for refugee communities and individuals and families with incomes below the $70,000
- Greet clients in person and provide a safe and comfortable environment for them
- Perform quality reviews to ensure returns are prepared correctly
- Communicate promptly with VITA Supervisor any changes in schedule or other needs
TIME REQUIREMENTS
Tax Preparation Volunteers are expected to commit to at least 4-8 hours of tax preparation per week for the duration of the Tax Season (January-April 2027). Volunteers may choose from the shifts below:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday
- 9 AM- 1 PM (PST)
- 1 PM - 5 PM (PST)
We can flex the schedule depending on volunteer availability
QUALIFICATIONS
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Proficiency in spoken and written English
- Familiarity with technology and computer skills
- Second language skills a plus (Spanish, Arabic, Dari, Somali, Swahili, Ukrainian, Russian, or another refugee language)
- Customer service experience a plus
- Experience working with refugee and immigrant communities and diverse and/or multicultural groups a plus
- No tax experience necessary – training to be provided
- Background check clearance
Location
How to Volunteer for This Opportunity
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the IRC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in San Diego! Please apply directly through the IRC’s application, not through Idealist.
Complete the application, and when you reach the “Volunteer Interest and Information” section, enter your top three positions that interest you. Make sure “Tax Preparation Volunteer” is one of them, or your application won’t be considered for this role.
