Needs From: United Way of Southeast Minnesota

Volunteers are essential to our operations, as our organization helps more taxpayers, so does the need to have new volunteers in our team.

Other areas were you might volunteer are: Marketing and Social Media, Community Engagement, Volunteer Recruitment, Logistics, Technical. 

Are you bilingual? you can assist our taxpayers whose English is not their fist language. 

As a Screener, you are supporting the process by making sure taxpayers have all their documents in order.

What You’ll Do

·       Assist taxpayers in filling out the Intake Forms.

·       Help taxpayers organize their documents and forms

·       Check for missing documents and out-of-scope items.

Training & Preparation

You will attend the same 2 ½ training as the greeter plus an additional 1 ½ hour to learn about the scope, forms and how to organized the documents. 

If you enjoy helping people, staying organized, this role is for you.

Tax Preparer - VITA

As a Volunteer Tax Preparer, you’ll be helping taxpayers confidently file their federal and state tax returns. Your work ensures families receive the refunds and credits they deserve.

What You’ll Do

·       Prepare accurate federal and state tax returns using web-based software

·       Ask thoughtful, guided questions to ensure every return is complete and correct

·       Clearly explain tax returns to clients and answer their tax-related questions

·       Work within a defined program scope to ensure quality, compliance, and confidence in every return prepared and identify returns that have more complicated issues that we cannot prepare due to limitations on training.

·       When needed you will interact with an interpreting service to assist taxpayer with limited English proficiency.

You won’t be doing this alone; there is a group of experienced volunteers to support you.

Training & Support

Orientation session for new volunteers, typically in the fall (3hrs)

Comprehensive training in December and January: approximately 40 hours of in-person or remote instruction

Around 25 -40 hours of additional self-paced study preparing proficiency problems and completing IRS certification tests.

By the time tax season begins, you’ll be fully prepared and confident in your role.

Time Commitment & Flexibility

Tax preparation runs from February 1 through April 15

Volunteers contribute 4–8 hours per week

You choose your level of commitment

This is more than a volunteer position. It’s a chance to learn new skills, expand your knowledge and meet inspiring people. No prior experience is required.

If you’re looking for a rewarding way to give back while learning something new, this role is for you.

Volunteers are able to  choose their level of commitment and are able to travel. 

Greeter – VITA

As a Greeter, you are the welcoming face of our organization. You set the tone for a positive, organized, and supportive experience while helping ensure each client receives timely, attentive service.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you’ll play a vital part in creating a seamless, stress-free experience for every taxpayer who walks through the door.

Training & Preparation

You’ll be fully prepared to succeed with a focused, 2½-hour training session held in January.

If you enjoy helping people, staying organized, and being the friendly face that keeps everything running smoothly, this role is for you.