VITA Volunteers

HOW TO BECOME A VOLUNTEER

1.  Complete VITA volunteer interest form

2. Complete all required certification

https://linklearncertification.com/

3. Sign up for a shift

FIRST TIME VOLUNTEERING FOR VITA?

All first-time volunteers will be paired with an experienced volunteer during their first shift. This will give new volunteers a chance to walk through the process, ask questions, and practice their skills before they’re ready to work independently. If you would like to learn more, attend one of UWWF’s weekly VITA information sessions to hear from the Economic Empowerment Manager about the program and ask any questions you may have.

WEEKLY VITA INFORMATION SESSIONS

Join us every Tuesday for a short, informational virtual session about VITA. Learn what VITA is, how to volunteer, training steps, site schedules and how free, IRS-certified tax prep helps local families.

Who should attend: Prospective volunteers, current volunteers, and anyone who wants to learn about free tax help in Escambia and Sant Rosa counties.

When: Every Tuesday, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Where: Virtual via Microsoft Teams (link provided after registration)

How to Attend: Please complete the short interest form below to register. After you submit the form, we'll email you the Microsoft Teams link and additional details. 

What We'll Cover:

• What VITA is and who we serve
• Volunteer roles and time commitment
• Training and certification overview
• Site locations, hours and what to expect
• Q&A

 VITA Information Sessions Sign Up Form

VOLUNTEER ROLES AND THEIR CERTFICATION LEVELS

Greeter:

• Welcomes taxpayers and creates a positive first impression.
• Reviews appointment details and checks for required documents.
• Assists with the intake process and guides clients through the site.
• Ensures taxpayers are prepared before meeting with a tax preparer.
•  Certification Requirements:
  • Volunteer Standards of Conduct
  • Intake/Interview and Quality Review

· Tax Preparer:

• Completes tax returns using IRS TaxSlayer software.
• Follows intake forms and conduct basic interviews.
• Applies tax law learned during training to prepare accurate returns
• Help taxpayers claim important credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit.
• Certification Requirements:
  • Volunteer Standards of Conduct
  • Intake/Interview and Quality Review
  • Basic or Advanced Tax Law

Quality Reviewer:

• Conducts a complete second review of every tax return.
• Confirms that tax law was applied correctly and all information is accurate.
• Ensure the return matches the intake form and supporting documents.
• Provides feedback to preparers when corrections or improvements are needed.
• Certification Requirements:
  • Volunteer Standards of Conduct
  • Intake/Interview and Quality Review
  • Basic or Advanced Tax Law

Site Coordinator:

• Oversees daily operations of the site and ensures smooth workflow.
• Supports volunteers, answers questions, and resolves onsite issues.
• Ensures all Quality Site Requirements (QSRs) are followed.
• Ensures the Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSCs) are followed.
• Certification Requirement:
  • Volunteer Standards of Conduct
  • Intake/Interview and Quality Review
  • UWWF Requirement – Advanced Tax Law
  • Site Coordinator

RESOURCES FOR VOLUNTEERS

• Practice tests - https://vita.taxslayerpro.com/IRSTraining/en/Account/Access
  • Password: TRAINPROWEB 
• Certification - https://lms.linklearncertification.com/lms/home 
• Publication 4012 – Volunteer Resource Guide 
• Publication 4491 – Publication 4491 (Rev. 10-2025)

VITA SITES: Feb. 1 to Apr. 15

Monday: 

• Pensacola State College-Warrington Campus: 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Tuesday:

• Pensacola State College-Main Campus: 9:00am – 7:00pm

Wednesday: 

• Pensacola State College-Warrington Campus: 9:00am – 2:00pm
• Pensacola State College-Main Campus: 1:00pm – 7:00pm

Thursday:

• Pensacola State College-Milton Campus: 9:00am – 6:00pm

Friday:

• Goodwill Gulf Coast (1715 E Olive Rd): 10:00am – 2:00pm
•  Pensacola State College Main Campus: 1:00pm – 7:00pm

Saturday:

• Pensacola State College-Century Campus: February 7, April 6
• Florida Blue Center (1680 Airport Blvd)
  • February 14, 21, 28
  • March 7, 28
  • April 11

CONTACT FOR VITA

Matthew Newberry: Economic Empowerment Manager

Email: matthew.newberry@uwwf.org

Phone: 850-444-7033

FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW TO LEARN MORE ABOUT VOLUNTEERING.