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.

Tax Preparer:

• Completes tax returns using IRS TaxSlayer software.
• Follows intake forms and conducts basic interviews.
• Applies tax law learned during training to prepare accurate returns
• Help taxpayers claim important credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit.
   

Site Coordinator:

• Oversees daily site operations and ensures a smooth workflow.
• Supports volunteers, answers questions, and resolves on-site issues.
• Ensures all Quality Site Requirements (QSRs) are followed.
• Ensures the Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSCs) are followed.

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

No prior tax experience is required to volunteer. Free materials and instruction are provided in December and January, with online self-study resources opening in November. All volunteers must complete the IRS certification tests corresponding to their chosen role prior to serving.

Greeter

• Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSOC)
• Intake/Interview and Quality Review

Tax Preparer

• Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSOC)
• Intake/Interview and Quality Review
• Basic or Advanced Tax Law

Site Coordinator

• Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSOC)
• Intake/Interview and Quality Review
• UWWF Requirement – Advanced Tax Law

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)

To ensure we can reliably support local individuals and families throughout the tax season, VITA volunteers are asked to commit to at least one shift per week.

• Tax Season Timeline: Our sites operate from late January (or as soon as the IRS opens electronic filing) through Tax Day in mid-April.
• Shift Details: Shifts run 3 to 4 hours, depending on the specific location.
• We offer shifts across weekdays, weeknights, and weekends to fit your availability.

Together, your time ensures that United is the Way to help West Florida residents keep more of their hard-earned money.

At United Way of West Florida, maintaining community trust and high ethical standards is essential to our mission.

• Volunteer Standards of Conduct: All VITA team members are expected to uphold the IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct (VSOC) at all times to ensure quality, privacy, and integrity for every neighbor we serve.
• Volunteer Protection Act of 1997: When you perform your duties within the scope of your role and follow these standards, you are protected under federal law. This protection covers standard volunteer responsibilities but excludes willful, reckless, criminal, or grossly negligent conduct.

By adhering to these clear guidelines, you help keep our sites safe, secure, and impactful for everyone across West Florida.