What type of a commitment does it actually take to become a VITA volunteer to volunteer throughout the tax season?

• It takes Training
• It takes Volunteering

Training Commitment:  Classes usually run for 3 weeks December through January

Volunteering Commitment: 

• Sites open 3rd week in January and close around April 15th (12 weeks)
• Volunteers are asked to volunteer a minimum of one shift per week (~4 hours/shift X 12 weeks = 48 hours per tax season)
• Volunteer tax preparers MUST pass the intermediate certification test and sign volunteer agreement before they can begin volunteering.
• Volunteers should submit their certification test and signed volunteer agreement to their instructor. 
• Volunteers will take the certification test at the end of the training class and if necessary to retake the test will have the opportunity to attend “test parties” where the computer lab will be available for those who need a fast and reliable internet connection.
• In order to meet the early rush, volunteers are strongly requested to be certified no later than the first day their site opens.

VITA Volunteer Expecations:

• Once volunteers have signed up to volunteer at a site, their site coordinator will contact them.
• It is up to the volunteer to sign up for a regular shift that fits into their schedule.
• If a volunteer is not able to make a shift, they must let the site coordinator know as far in advance as possible.
• Volunteers are expected to arrive 15-30 minutes prior to the opening of the site in order to get materials, updates and get logged into TaxWise.
• Volunteers who have questions about anything are encouraged to ask the site coordinator, volunteer coordinator or call the TaxWise hotline or online help if the question involves the software.