VITA Volunteers: Vita Opportunities

There are volunteer opportunities for Greeters, Paper Tax Preparers, E-File Tax Preparers, Translators, Tax Transmitters, and Vita Site Coordinators.

While some of these opportunities require knowledge of tax laws, there are many opportunities to volunteer for those who are not familiar with the tax laws.

An E-file site is a location with computers to create E-files. A non E-File site is a location without computers, and the returns are prepared by hand on the IRS paper forms. The VITA program owns a limited number of laptops loaded with the Taxwise program. Some facilities include desktop computers networked together. If you provide your own laptop which you are willing to use for preparing E-files at the site, you have just made your location an E-file site. Shared printers and supplies will be provided by VITA program at an E-File site. After the return is created, it is sent to the IRS by a Volunteer transmitter.

Greeters

	Greet Taxpayers
	Make sure they are comfortable while they wait

Paper Tax Preparers

	Must be certified as VITA Tax Preparers for 2003 returns
	Interview Taxpayer
	Fill tax forms by hand and use a calculator or mental arithmetic to do the computations
	Return everything back to the Taxpayer for signature and mailing

E-File Tax Preparers

	Must be certified as Vita Tax Preparers for 2003 returns
	Must attend the Taxwise 2003 E-File Class
	Interview Taxpayer
	Enter the tax information into Taxwise program in the computer
	Generate an E-File
	Get signatures for E-filing

Translators

	Must be bilingual - since there are people with so many different ethnic backgrounds, there is probably a place for any volunteer who speaks two languages.
	Help to interview Taxpayer when the Taxpayer is not familiar with the language of the Tax Preparer
	Do not need to pass the Vita Tax Test 2003
	In some cases are spouses of the volunteers

Tax Transmitters

	Must be certified as Vita Tax Preparers for 2003 returns
	Receive E-Files from Tax Preparers (usually on diskettes)
	Transmit batch of E-files to the IRS and the State
	Be ready to accept acknowledgements

Site Coordinators

	Are responsible for overall smooth functioning of the site
	Make sure that copies of required paperwork for E-files are submitted to the IRS office in a timely fashion