EBALDC's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program: NO TAX EXPERIENCE NEEDED! [ARC]

Want to learn new skills and contribute to your community? Perhaps even help folks navigate the confusing world of taxes? The 2025-2026 tax season is just around the corner and we need your help!

Join 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 is provided -- no prior experience is required!

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 Standard of Conduct and Intake/Interview & Quality Review certifications to be on-site and support tax clients.
2. Pass the Basic or Advanced IRS certification test to prepare tax returns.
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 2026.
8. Strong verbal communication skills, good interpersonal skills, and basic computer skills.
9. Ability to take initiative and work with minimal supervision.

Interested? Fill out our VITA Volunter Interest Form. We'll reach out to you with information about next steps. See you soon!

EBALDC has multiple tax sites: Asian Resource Center in Oakland Chinatown and Lion Creek Crossings next to Coliseum BART Station. We'll also facilitate pop-up tax events at Laney College. You will have the opportunity to sign up for shifts at any of our tax sites.