Help Your Community Thrive—One Tax Return at a Time

Do you enjoy problem-solving, working with numbers, and helping others? Join Community Tax Aid (CTA) as a Volunteer Tax Preparer and make a meaningful difference in your community! No professional tax experience is needed—we provide all the training and support you need to succeed.

Our volunteers help hardworking individuals and families file their taxes accurately and access valuable tax credits like the Earned Income and Child Tax Credits. Whether you’re looking to build new skills, strengthen your resume, or give back in a hands-on way, this is an opportunity to make every return count.

Let us know about any accommodations you need—we’re happy to work with you.

We strive to make our sites inclusive for people of all gender identities, disabilities, and cultural backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate federal and state income tax returns for low- and moderate-income community members.
• Explain tax documents, forms, and potential credits in clear, easy-to-understand language.
• Ensure confidentiality and maintain a welcoming, respectful atmosphere for every client.
• Collaborate with site coordinators, client navigators, and fellow volunteers to ensure smooth operations.
• Stay up to date on basic tax law through CTA’s free IRS-certified training program (training provided).

What You Bring

• Strong attention to detail and an interest in learning tax law and software (no prior experience needed).
• Patience, empathy, and excellent communication skills.
• A commitment to confidentiality and accuracy.
• A collaborative spirit and willingness to ask questions and learn.

What’s In It For You

• Free training and IRS certification as a Volunteer Income Tax Assistant (VITA).
• Real-world experience with tax law, client service, and community engagement.
• The satisfaction of helping individuals and families access thousands of dollars in refunds and credits.
• A welcoming volunteer community where you can connect, learn, and grow.

Where You Could Volunteer

• Rockville, MD: 21 Maryland Ave, Rockville, MD 20850
  • Saturday afternoons (Snacks and water provided)
• Wheaton, MD: 11701 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring, MD 20902
  • Sunday evenings
• Alexandria, VA: 4850 Mark Center Dr., Alexandria, VA 22311, USA
  • Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings
• Anacostia, DC: 2907 Martin Luther King Jr Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032, USA
  • Monday- Thursday evenings (dinner is provided)
• Lower Central NE, DC: 3925 Minnesota Ave NE, Washington, DC 20019, USA
  • Saturday morning or afternoon shifts available
• Columbia Heights, DC: 1420 Columbia Rd NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
  • Saturday mornings (must be fluent in Spanish)

Physical Requirements

• Volunteer should be able to lift 5 pounds (a computer).
• Volunteer should be able to move around in a confined space.
• Volunteer should be able to sit for extended periods (breaks available).
• Site is wheelchair-accessible.
• Accessible by public transit; parking available on site.
• Volunteers should be comfortable reading printed materials and responding to spoken questions in a busy environment (accommodations available).

Environmental Factors

• Moderate noise during peak hours; quiet breaks can be arranged.
• Shared workspace with supportive team environment.
• Scripts and guides provided to support client communication if requested.

No prior experience is required—just your willingness to learn and help! Join us in empowering your neighbors through free, high-quality tax preparation.

To learn more or sign up, email Andrea at

volunteer@communitytaxaiddc.org or call 202-547-7773 ext. 1012.