Volunteer with the Boston Tax Help Coalition
Volunteer applications are open for the 2024 Tax Season! Apply here.
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Have questions? Contact:
Volunteer Tax Preparers
People who wish to volunteer as Tax Preparers do not need prior tax experience. We will provide the necessary training. Tax Preparer volunteers use IRS TaxWise software to prepare and file taxes with eligible taxpayers. Volunteers can serve at any site or a combination of sites. Volunteers can choose in-person and/or virtual volunteering.
In-Person Volunteering:
Volunteers will go to the tax site, and prepare tax returns. At some sites, volunteers will provide face to face services. At other sites taxpayers will drop-off their tax documents and volunteers will prepare the taxpayer’s return once they leave.
Virtual Volunteering:
Volunteers can prepare tax returns remotely. Volunteers must have a computer and access to Wi-Fi.
Volunteers should commit to at least 4 hours a week at their selected tax site. All new volunteers must take remote training via video conferencing. The training focuses on:
- Tax law
- The correct use of reference materials
- Software training
- Tax return practice
- The IRS certification exam
All volunteers (new and returning) must pass the IRS Basic Tax Preparation certification exam to volunteer at a tax site.
Volunteer Financial Guides
Volunteer Financial Guides help low-income Boston Area residents assess their financial situation and plan for the future. They provide a tax intake experience for taxpayers by screening for:
- tax preparation
- tax prep eligibility, and
- interpreting and advising clients on their credit report.
Financial Guides support clients by referring services, and encouraging clients to opt-in to tax-time savings options. Guides provide an essential service in advising clients on their financial choices.
Guides participate in IRS training and take the IRS Certification test to take part in the volunteer program.
The Coalition Asset Building Program Coordinator places volunteer guides at a tax site. Guides commit to working 4 hours a week, or 20-30 hours across the tax season.
Volunteer Training Descriptions
New Volunteers
Part One – Online Tax Preparation Training Sessions:
This online course is delivered over three sessions, each three to four hours in length. In these online sessions, you will learn the foundations of tax preparation for low and moderate income taxpayers, as well as become trained on our tax software. Prior to the first class, you will be sent key publications and other training resources that will be referred to in-class.
Part Two – Software Practice and General Q & A:
After class, complete assigned practice scenarios (you will be given remote access to our tax training software), and attend any optional online Q & A sessions that you feel you need.
Part Three – IRS Certification Exam
After successfully completing Parts One and Two online, you will be given instructions on how to complete the IRS Basic Certification Exam. The Exam will be taken online and is not timed.
Returning Volunteers
After registering, Returning Volunteers will be sent training and certification options via e-mail. Additionally, returning volunteers can utilize any of the training resources listed above.
Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked QuestionsEvery year, the Coalition enables low-income families to avoid the fees and high-interest rates associated with commercial tax preparers. Through our services, taxpayers can utilize government benefits and obtain information necessary for financial growth. In 2023, the 322 Boston Tax Help volunteers helped taxpayers get $15.4 million in refunds, including $4.1 million in Earned Income Tax Credit.
To register as a volunteer for the 2024 tax season, visit here.
We are looking for volunteer tax preparers and volunteer financial guides. Find complete description of each volunteer position here.
Absolutely! We train volunteers from all walks of life and guide volunteers throughout the training and volunteer process.
Upon registering as a volunteer, you will receive an email within one business day that includes a link to training sign-up.
All returning volunteers will need to get re-certified each year. While we believe that in person training has the most value, for those with experience, and the commitment for asynchronous training, training videos will be available later in the training season. You should still sign up to volunteer and select your training path.
Volunteers have a choice to volunteer in-person or virtually at our tax sites. Find a list of tax preparation locations here.
Your site coordinator will contact you in December/early January.
Yes, site coordinators offer site orientation in January for all volunteers. Your site coordinator will notify you of possible dates in January for orientation.
All volunteers are requested to be trained (and certified) by the end of January 2024, to begin volunteering by February 2024. Some sites open earlier, so you should check with your Site Coordinator for specific start dates.
Volunteers are respectfully requested to volunteer at their selected tax site at least 4 hours a week, or for a total of 30 hours throughout tax season.
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Have questions? Contact:
