Intake Specialist
Purpose
Sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), VITA provides free income tax preparation assistance to individuals and families with a household income of approximately $67,000 a year or less. In addition to providing free tax preparation, VITA works to ensure everyone in the community receives all of the tax credits and deductions for which they are eligible, with the goal being to help more individuals and families achieve greater financial stability through free tax preparation services.
Volunteer Responsibilities
VITA Intake Specialists receive tax information from clients to be completed by volunteer preparers. The position requires organization, professional interactions with other volunteers and clients, and the application of high ethical standards and adherence to Internal Revenue Service policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Additional responsibilities include:
• Complete all IRS training and certification requirements
• Review intake forms with the taxpayers and answer process related questions.
• Verify taxpayer identity and collect documents and information needed to complete the return.
• Determine if the return is within the scope of the VITA program.
• Manage the flow of taxpayers according to site operational procedures.
• Maintain communication with the Site Coordinator
• Ensure compliance with all IRS and VITA program guidelines
Staff Liaison
VITA Program Associate & VITA Program Site Coordinator
Training
Intake specialist orientation and training will occur in mid-November- January (approx. 4-5 hours total) followed by the completion of the certification exams to completed independently (approx. 30 minutes total). The online certification exam is online, untimed, and open book to allow volunteers to become familiar with the tax preparation software, using available resources, and practicing real life scenarios.
Length of Commitment
Volunteer opportunities will begin late January through the tax season deadline in April. Volunteers are expected to commit to 20 hours over the course of the tax season (typically one four-hour shift per week), there is a good amount of flexibility on when volunteers serve. Volunteers will select shifts based on their availability using the online scheduling system. Additional optional volunteer opportunities are available May through September.
Preferred Experience and/or Skills
• Strong computer skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work well with diverse populations
Benefits
• Gain a valuable and marketable skill set
• Make new friends and build your professional network! This is a great opportunity to meet other people in our community who are dedicated to helping others
• Satisfaction of knowing that you had a direct impact on our community
• Build your resume by learning soft skills, working with clients and serving the community
• United Way may provide letters of recommendation for your service
Mission Statement
We bring together the people, ideas and resources to lead with our communities and create a flourishing, equitable life for everyone.
