Note that not all roles are needed at all or available at all sites, and that each site may function differently from other sites, and reflects the traditions, the group dynamics of the volunteers, and the nature of the taxpayers that come to the site. The minimum required are Tax Preparers and Site Coordinators.

Greeters

• Greet Taxpayers
• Make sure they are comfortable while they wait
• Check that they have the necessary documents so they can be helped
• If certified as VITA Tax Preparers for the specific year may help answer tax questions

• Must be certified as VITA Tax Preparers for the returns of the specific year
• Interview Taxpayer
• Fill tax forms
• Prepare the return for filing
• more information about Tax Preparer

• Must be certified as Vita Tax Preparers for returns of the specific year
• Must attend the TaxWise for the specific year or prior Training Classes
• Interview Taxpayer
• Enter the tax information into TaxWise program in the computer
• Generate an E-File
• Get signatures for E-filing
• more information about Tax Preparer

• Must be bilingual or mulitlingual - since there are people with so many different ethnic backgrounds, there is probably a place for any volunteer who speaks two languages; having taken a class in high school is not necessary; what is necessary is the ability to enable communication between the taxpayer and preparer.  If you are uncomfortable carrying on a conversation in the second language, then you may not find it possible to help the taxpayer.
• Help to interview Taxpayer when the Taxpayer is not familiar with the language of the Tax Preparer
• Do not need to pass the Vita Certification for the specific year
• In some cases are spouses of the volunteers

• Must be certified as Vita Tax Preparers for the specific year
• Accept E-Files from Tax Preparers (on USB drives or over the network)
• Transmit batches of E-files to the IRS and the State
• Be ready to accept acknowledgements and rework rejects
• more information about Transmitters

• Must be certified as Vita Tax Preparers for the specific year
• Review returns that have already been prepared
• Preferably different from the tax preparer who completed the return in which case called the designated reviewer

Site Coordinators

• Must be certified as Vita Tax Preparers for the specific year
• Are responsible for overall smooth functioning of the site
• Make sure that copies of required paperwork for E-files are submitted to the IRS in a timely fashion
• more information for Coordinators

• Do not require certification
• Help to keep young children of taxpayers gainfully occupied while their parent or parents are having their taxes prepared
• May be children of the volunteers

• Do not require VITA certification
• Work directly with the site coordinator and other tax preparation volunteers
• Are familiar with PC, printer, and software issues related to using TaxWise
• May be needed to set up and maintain networks