Volunteer Tax Preparer/Quality Reviewer for QCAP's VITA Tax Program

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. The goal is to help low income people claim tax credits for which they may be eligible. Training is provided. Volunteer tax preparers/quality reviewers provide 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 returns 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.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILLS:

1. 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 2025, the tax site will be open from February 3, 2025, through April 19, 2025
  • The shift hours available are:
• Tuesday evenings, 5:30pm – 9:00pm (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.