Income Tax Preparer (VITA Volunteer) or Internship

The VITA Tax Preparer works one-on-one with individuals and families to prepare tax returns using tax-software. Preparers serve as a legitimate and trusted no-cost resource, ensuring customers file correctly and receive support and resources around managing return and/or owed taxes.   

 

Become a certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistant. Gain real life experience preparing federal and state taxes and hands-on experience with a professional tax preparation software program and professional networking. Knowledge that you are helping families thrive!

 

Essential Functions: 

 

·        Prepare state and federal tax returns using tax software

·        Provide excellent customer service by providing friendly support, answering questions, and directing customers to Intake and Resource Specialist when appropriate

·        Team-oriented, able to work cooperatively with staff and other volunteers

·        Ability to abide by all confidentiality policies and procedures

·        Attend all tax-law training sessions and successfully attain IRS-tax law certification (Training and coaching is provided to ensure success) 

·        Other duties as assigned  

 

Safety: Responsible for conducting all duties in a safe manner. 

 

Affirmative Action: Responsible to follow affirmative action plan as set forth and signed by the Board of Directors. 

 

 

·        Must be at least 18 years of age 

·        High school diploma/GED/equivalent is required 

·        Desire to learn how to complete IRS and MN Income Tax forms (no experience required) 

·        Desire to help the community (Training and coaching is provided to ensure success)

 

Abilities & Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the volunteer will at minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills: 

·        Strong customer service skills and ability to discuss sensitive matters with empathy and respect

·        Excellent attention to detail

·        Computer proficiency

·        Must be comfortable interacting with people of diverse backgrounds, education, economic status, and culture 

·        Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information in a professional and discreet manner 

·        Fluency in English language (written and spoken). Bilingual in Hmong, Karen, Nepali, Somali, Spanish or another language desired 

·        Must successfully pass a criminal background check and provide references 

·        Sign in and out on timesheet when volunteering

 

Normal office environment 

·        10-15 hours of IRS and Minnesota tax law training (provided in person or online).

·        Complete training during December 2019 or January 2020 

·        Successful completion of IRS-Tax Law Certification after training (coaching provided)

·        Assist at a minimum of 5 tax clinics during February 1st-April 16th, 2020

·        Minimum of four hours per tax clinic, more hours are desired

·        Flexible schedule is available, if you need to take some time off

·        View schedule below

 

·        9am - 4pm Saturdays, St. Paul; 450 Syndicate St North, St Paul, MN 55104 (Office/Tax Site is located on the Green Line train route) Saturday is preferred

·        9am - 4pm Thursdays, Woodbury; 7645 Currell Blvd, Woodbury, MN 55125 (Washington County CDA office)

Complete an Ongoing Registration Form at www.caprw.org/take-action/volunteer and