Join the team of volunteers who help families receive much-needed tax refunds.

Central Iowa families need your help to prepare and file their taxes, so they can receive tax refunds that help them on a path to financial stability. 

VITA volunteers have helped thousands of families receive refunds. These refunds help pay bills, cover basic needs, and save for the future. In the last seven years, volunteers have completed more than 30,000 returns, with nearly $50 million in refunds going back to our community. 

No prior tax experience is required, and training is free for all volunteers. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Volunteers receive: 

  • Free materials, training, and testing to become IRS certified
  • A network of like-minded individuals who are giving back to our community
  • Support from staff to answer questions and guide you throughout your experience
  • Flexibility in picking the shifts and locations that work best for you
  • A meaningful skill to add to your resume
  • Trust from clients, who share parts of their lives with their financial information

Volunteer Positions: 

Greeter:

  • Welcome Tax Clients
  • Oversee the sign-in process

Intake:

  • Participate in the IRS tax training and achieve certification, at the Advanced level, prior to tax season
  • Meet with tax clients to complete a checklist confirming documentation
  • Answer basic process questions tax clients may have

Tax Preparer/Quality Review

  • Participate in the IRS tax training and achieve certification, at the Advanced level, prior to tax season
  • Review documents, and complete the tax return
  • Follow up with tax clients if incomplete information is provided
  • Discuss the tax return with the tax client after the quality review process is complete
  • Check completed tax forms for errors and advise tax preparer of any needed changes

A few notes:

  • Again, this year we are requiring all volunteers to certify at the Advanced level. Please let us know immediately if this will be a hardship for you if you are interested in volunteering.

  • All VITA sites have the discretion to set our own income guidelines. This year, we are raising them to reflect 300% of the Federal Poverty Level, or the following:
    • Single Individual               $40,770
    • Household of 2                  $54,930
    • Household of 3                  $69,090
    • Household of 4                  $83,250
    • Household of 5+                $97,410

  • New this year, we may also try Facilitated Self-Assistance for taxpayers that meet income eligibility. One or two computers will be available at each site for taxpayers to complete their own return using Tax Slayer. A volunteer or volunteers (depending on need) will be on hand to answer any questions taxpayers may have as they prepare and file their own returns. If you are interested in helping with this format, please indicate so on the question regarding roles.

Resources for Volunteers


VITA Locations

United Way of Central Iowa
1111 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50314

Polk County River Place
2309 Euclid Ave., Des Moines

This location will open for service on Saturday, February 4.