Prior to working at a VITA/TCE site, VITE/TCE volunteers (greeters, client facilitators, tax preparers, quality reviewers, etc.) must:
1. Complete the Volunteer Standards of Conduct Training: Volunteers must complete the required training provided by the IRS, which covers topics such as confidentiality, ethical standards, and the scope of volunteer responsibilities.
2. Pass a certification test: Depending on the role they will be performing, volunteers may need to pass a certification test to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of tax laws and procedures. This ensures that they are capable of accurately preparing tax returns and providing quality assistance to clients.
3. Obtain an IRS Volunteer Agreement and Ethics certification: Volunteers must sign an IRS Volunteer Agreement form, which outlines their commitment to uphold the standards and guidelines set by the IRS. Additionally, they must complete the required Ethics certification, which emphasizes the importance of maintaining client confidentiality and following ethical guidelines.
4. Complete tax law training and certification: Each tax year, volunteers must complete the required tax law training provided by the IRS. This training familiarizes volunteers with any updates or changes to tax laws and ensures they are knowledgeable in the current tax code. After completing the training, volunteers may need to pass a certification exam to demonstrate their understanding.
5. Complete any additional training specific to their role: Depending on the specific role they will be performing at the VITA/TCE site, volunteers may need to undergo additional training related to using tax preparation software, handling specific tax situations, or providing quality review of tax returns.
6. Attend site-specific training: Volunteers are usually required to attend site-specific training sessions, where they are briefed about the operations and procedures at the particular VITA/TCE site they will be working at. This training can include information about the site's scheduling, workflow, client intake process, and any specific site policies or procedures.
Overall, volunteers are required to undergo comprehensive training and certification processes to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and skills to serve as VITA/TCE volunteers effectively.