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 2005 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 2005 returns
• Must attend the TaxWise 2005 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 2005
• In some cases are spouses of the volunteers

Tax Transmitters

• Must be certified as Vita Tax Preparers for 2005 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