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:

• Interviews taxpayers and prepares tax returns using TaxSlayer software.
• Reviews intake forms and taxpayer documents to make sure all necessary information is collected.
• Applies tax law learned during training to prepare accurate returns.
• Helps taxpayers claim eligible credits and deductions.
   

Site Coordinator:

• Oversees daily site operations and helps maintain a smooth workflow.
• Supports volunteers, answers questions, and helps resolve on-site issues.
• Ensures the site follows IRS requirements and VITA program procedures.

No prior tax experience is required to volunteer. Free training materials and instruction are provided, with online self-study resources available beginning in November and instructor-led training offered in December and January. Volunteers must complete the certification requirements for their role before serving at a VITA site.

Required certifications by role:

Greeter

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

Tax Preparer

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

Site Coordinator

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

• 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 consistent service throughout the tax season, volunteers should be able to commit to one five-hour shift per week during the filing season.

Tax Season Timeline: VITA sites generally operate from late January through Tax Day in mid-April.

Shift Details: Most volunteer shifts are approximately five hours.

Scheduling: Volunteer opportunities are available on weekdays, weeknights, and weekends at locations throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.

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.