General VITA Tax Volunteer (Virtual)
Title: GENERAL VITA TAX VOLUNTEER (VIRTUAL)
Reports To: Financial Services Coordinator
Type: Volunteer Position (Internship Available)
Duration: December 2020- April 2021
Location: Volunteers are expected to work from home; all services will be provided virtually.
Position Summary: The VITA Tax Volunteer works with individuals and families to assist them in preparing their tax returns using the tax-software TaxSlayer. Volunteers serve as a trusted, no-cost resource, ensuring customers file correctly and receive the support and resources needed to file their taxes.
Benefits of Volunteering: Become an IRS-certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistant. Gain real life experience preparing and reviewing federal and state taxes, and hands-on experience with a professional tax preparation software program and professional networking. Knowledge that you are helping families thrive!
Essential Functions & Duties:
• Prepare and review state and federal tax returns using tax software
• Team-oriented, able to work cooperatively with staff and other volunteers
• Ability to abide by all confidentiality policies and procedures
• Attend all tax-law training sessions and successfully attain IRS-tax law certification (training and coaching is provided to ensure success)
• Other duties as assigned
Safety: Responsible for conducting all duties in a safe manner.
Affirmative Action: Responsible for following an affirmative action plan as set forth and signed by the Board of Directors.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• High school diploma/GED/equivalent is required
• Desire to learn how to complete IRS and MN Income Tax forms (no experience required)
• Desire to help the community (training and coaching is provided to ensure success)
Abilities & Skills: In order to be successful in this position, the volunteer will at minimum need to possess the following abilities and skills:
• Excellent attention to detail
• Proficient with technology and working with computers, and ability to coach clients through using technology
• Motivation to work completely virtually, manage scheduled hours and use digitally tracking and communication tools
• Must be comfortable interacting with people of diverse backgrounds, education, economic status, and culture
• Fluency in English language (written and spoken). Bilingual in Hmong, Karen, Nepali, Somali, Spanish or another language desired
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check and provide references
Physical Requirements: Normal office exertion required.
Mental Requirements: This position requires the ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks.
Environmental Requirements: Volunteering from home (all required technology is provided).
Time Commitment:
• 10-15 hours of IRS and Minnesota tax law training (provided online).
• Complete training during December 2020 or January 2021
• Successful completion of IRS-Tax Law Certification after training (coaching provided)
• A minimum of 4-hours per week time commitment, February 1-April 16, 2020
Tax Clinic Schedule:
• A minimum of four hours per week, hours may be completed in two shifts. Must be available to volunteer Wednesday - Friday.