Volunteer Free Tax Preparers - Manatee County

We are looking for volunteers to assist in providing free tax services to families and individuals with low to moderate incomes throughout Manatee County. Free tax prep service will be provided Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoons from 2pm to 6pm and Saturdays from 9am to 1pm starting January 31 at several locations throughout Manatee County.

Meet new people, improve your skills and make a big difference in lives of many from our community!

We are especially in need of Greeters/Screeners at all tax preparation locations.

Greeter/Screener

You greet everyone and create a friendly, professional, and welcoming environment for all visitors. You screen taxpayers to determine the type of assistance they need and confirm they have the necessary documents to complete their tax returns (IDs, Social Security cards, W-2s, 1099, etc.). Tax law certification is not required for this position.

Key Responsibilities

• • Welcome & Atmosphere: Create a friendly, professional, and welcoming environment for all visitors.
  • Client Screening: Determine the type of tax help needed (e.g., simple vs. complex returns) and confirm they have all required documents.
  • Document Check: Verify taxpayers have essential items like photo ID, SSNs, W-2s, and last year's return.
  • Paperwork: Distribute and help with the Form 13614-C (Intake/Interview & Quality Review Sheet).
  • Site Flow: Guide clients to the waiting area and coordinate with tax preparers to minimize wait times.
  • General Info: Answer basic questions about the VITA program and available services.

Requirements & Training

• • No Tax Prep Experience Needed: You don't need to be a tax preparer.
  • IRS Certification: Must pass the IRS Standards of Conduct and Intake/Interview exams.
  • Customer Service: Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and computer skills are beneficial.
  • Commitment: Typically requires a minimum number of hours (e.g., 40) during tax season.

NO PROFESSIONAL OR PRIOR TAX PREPARATION EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. FREE TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to people who generally make $85,000 or less who and need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation, including electronic filing, to qualified individuals.