Loading
Please wait... Loading

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program connects low-to-moderate income residents in the Suncoast Region with trained volunteers who help them file their taxes for free. It’s a great way for you, your friends, family, or coworkers to give back and support local households.

As a VITA volunteer, you will learn how to prepare taxes while making a real difference in our community. Free training is provided, so no experience is needed. You will be helping families who need it most, and you’ll be joining thousands of volunteers across the country who prepare millions of tax returns each year.

Training and certification opportunities for the 2026 VITA tax season are available across five counties: DeSoto, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pinellas, and Sarasota. You can choose between online or in-person training to fit your schedule. Tax sites are open on weekdays, evenings, and Saturdays, so it’s easy to find a time and location that works for you.

Want to Volunteer with VITA?
Here’s a quick look at the different roles you can choose from:

Site Coordinators

If you’re organized and enjoy leading a team, this role might be for you. You’ll help run the tax site, make volunteer schedules, and make sure supplies and equipment are ready. You’ll need to complete training and pass a few certifications, including attending a special Site Coordinator orientation.

Site Coordinators must complete the following requirements:

  • Pass four exams:
    • Standards of Conduct
    • Intake/Quality Review
    • Advances Tax Law
    • Site Coordinator Exam
  • Attend the Site Coordinator orientation

Tax Preparers

If you want to help people file their taxes, this is a great fit. You’ll prepare tax returns for those who qualify for free. Training is provided, and you’ll need to pass three short exams and attend a Tax Preparer orientation.

Tax Preparers must complete the following requirements:

  • Pass three exams:
    • Standards of Conduct
    • Intake/Quality Review
    • Advanced Tax Law
  • Attend the Tax Preparer orientation

Greeter/Screeners

If you like meeting people and making them feel welcome, this role is perfect. You’ll greet visitors, help them get started, and check that they have the right documents. You’ll need to pass two short exams and attend a Greeter/Screener orientation.

Greeter/Screeners must complete the following requirements:

  • Pass two exams:
    • Standards of Conduct
    • Intake/Quality Review
  • Attend the Greeter/Screener orientation

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS

Corporate volunteers can participate in VITA as individuals, a small group where they could rotate to fulfill a set number of spots, or adopt an entire site to lead. Each volunteer would need to complete the required training and IRS certification based on the selected role. For more information about volunteering as a small group or leading an entire site, email vita@uwsuncoast.org.  
 


For questions on volunteering, email vita@uwsuncoast.org.

      

Common Messages