Volunteer Income Tax Assistance - Fairfield County

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The Connecticut Association for Human Services’ (CAHS) Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program is looking for volunteers offering FREE tax preparation services across various locations in New Haven, Bridgeport, Stratford, Norwalk, Stamford, Norwich, Danbury, Waterbury, Thomaston and more!

Volunteer at YOUR own CONVENIENCE. We have opportunities that will fit your schedule accordingly whether you are a student, work full-time/part-time during the day or night, retired, or simply wanting to volunteer because the time permits and you want to find a way to give back to the community.

You can build a new skill, learn tax laws, help your friends and family...and best of all, you will be giving back to the community of individuals and families who needs this service the most. You will become the VITAL part of VITA.

Volunteering is ongoing from September/October 2022 through Mid-April 2023. Though Tax Season normally runs for 10 weeks from the end of January through mid-April. Volunteers are expected to begin training and complete certifications between September 2022 - January 2023. We provide FREE training and volunteers will be IRS certified!

Each VITA Site operates differently, but overall there is a collaboration between the roles.

Volunteer Roles:

** Due to COVID-19 and restrictions to in-person services, volunteers may need to pivot to a remote environment and may need or use their own laptop/computer to assist clients virtually/remotely and a reliable phone for correspondence **

SCHEDULER - Assist in collecting data, verifying information, and making appointments for taxpayers accessing VITA services through Appointment Plus. Provide administrative support and technical assistance, as required. Due to COVID-19, a scheduler will have access remotely to schedule appointments and to determine the type of service the site will provide, whether in-person, drop-off or hybrid. Virtual tax preparation will not need a scheduler. Reports to the Site Coordinator or VITA Program Coordinator.

GREETER/INTAKE SPECIALIST - Screen all customers requesting tax assistance, identifying the type of return and tax schedules each taxpayer will need assistance with, and ensure they have all necessary information/documentation required to complete the return. In a virtual environment, a Greeter will perform the same duties remotely through our safe and secure portal with Get Your Refund. Reports to the Site Coordinator or VITA Program Coordinator.

TAX PREPARER - Provide in-person or virtual free tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers. Provide high quality service and uphold the highest ethical standards to establish and ensure the greatest degree of accuracy and public trust. Communicate with taxpayers effectively, answer any questions they may have, and escalate any issues to the Site Coordinator or VITA Program Coordinator.

QUALITY REVIEWER - The Quality Review takes place after the return is prepared, but before the taxpayer signs the return. Ensure that the taxpayer's tax return is accurate based on the Intake/Interview Sheet, and the supporting documents provided by the taxpayer and the interview with the taxpayer, and any notes taken from the Tax Preparer. During a remote QR, communication will occur by phone, correspondences by email through the portal in Get Your Refund, and documents will be signed electronically. Reports to the Site Coordinator or VITA Program Coordinator.

SITE COORDINATOR - Coordinate, organize and supervise all aspects of the VITA program, which includes management of the VITA site during the tax filing season. Ensuring all volunteers understand and execute their roles effectively. Knowledge with tax laws and tax process. E-File tax returns after they are completed and signed by clients. We would like our Site Coordinators with at least 3 years of VITA service, but we may make an exception depending on experience. Reports to the VITA Program Coordinator. Stipend may also be offered.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact our VITA Program Coordinator, Nick Brundage at Nbrundage@cahs.org or (860) 951-2212 ext. 246 or visit our website https://www.cahs.org/vita-sites.html