Volunteer Tax Preparer/Quality Reviewer

QCAP seeks volunteer tax preparers/quality reviewers to help low income households prepare their federal and state income tax returns, using an-online tax preparation software. A goal is to help low income people claim tax credits for which they may be eligible. Training is provided. Both online and in-person volunteer opportunities are available, though online volunteers will need to complete some in-person tasks during training and orientation. Volunteer tax preparers/quality reviewers provide the assistance in accordance with IRS guidelines, and applicable QCAP policies.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Complete IRS web-based trainings and exams on Volunteer Standards of Conduct and Intake/Interview & Quality Review Training and exams. 

2. Complete IRS web-based trainings and exams to become an IRS Certified tax preparer in Advanced Tax Law (training offered)

3. Participate in volunteer orientation and additional training in Massachusetts tax law and other tax law matters.

4. Submit Volunteer Agreement Form to QCAP VITA Coordinator.

5. Provide high quality tax assistance to all eligible clients. Directly prepare client’s tax returns based on information provided by client or answer tax related questions.

6. Interview clients to determine all income, deductions, and allowable credits claimed.

7. Refer clients with complex returns to the IRS web site or help number, or to a tax practitioner or firm.

8. Complete quality reviews of other clients’ tax return as part of the Quality Review process to ensure accuracy.

9. Maintain confidentiality of clients’ information.

10. Ensure a copy of completed return(s) is provided to client.

11. Adhere to Title VI by not denying service to anyone based on race, color, sex, age, national origin, or disability.

**Volunteers cannot accept pay or compensation for assistance provided. Volunteers cannot refer clients to any one particular tax practitioner or firm. QCAP maintains a list of area tax practitioners for clients referral purposes.**

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

1. Strong customer service and interpersonal skills, and desire to help people.

2. Ability to learn and apply tax knowledge. Training will be provided.

3. Basic computer skills for inputting tax return information.

4. Pride in performing tasks completely and accurately.

5. Strong interpersonal skills and desire to help people.

6. Ability to maintain taxpayer confidentiality.

7. Ability to work well with diverse populations.

8. Dependability and flexibility.

9. Multilingual skills encouraged

TIME COMMITMENT

Training:

• Participate in a 2-hour volunteer orientation training (new volunteers)

• Complete IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct and Intake/Interview & Quality Review Training (~2 hours)

• Complete Advanced IRS web-based tax-law training and certification program (~10 hours) Will be offered online.

Tax season:

Volunteers should commit to a minimum of 3 hours weekly for the duration of the tax season. 

• For 2024, the tax site will be open from January 29 , 2024 through April 15, 2024

• The shift hours available are: 

• Weekday evenings, 5:30pm – 8:30pm (online or in-person)

• Saturdays, 9:30am – 1:00pm and 1:00pm – 4:00pm (in-person)

• If a candidate is unable to work during one of the above shifts but still wants to volunteer, some alternative times may be available on a case by case basis. These alternative times would generally happen during daytime hours on weekdays between 10AM and 3PM.  

SUPERVISION AND VOLUNTEER LIABILITY

Volunteers will be supervised while on site by an experienced Volunteer Site Coordinator. The Site Coordinator will be available to provide support, guidance, and answer questions. 

Volunteers are covered under the Volunteer Protection Action of 1997, which can be found in its entirety at www.irs.gov/individuals. “As long as the volunteer acts within the scope of the Volunteer Return Preparation Program, and has been certified by the IRS as a Volunteer Tax Counselor, they shall not be held liable for any harm caused by an act or omission on their part.”