Loading
Please wait... Loading

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE

MAKE AN IMPACT. LEARN NEW SKILLS. HELP YOUR COMMUNITY.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program connects Suncoast residents with free tax preparation services provided by trained volunteers.

Whether you're looking to give back, learn something new, or meet others who care about their community, VITA offers a rewarding volunteer experience. No tax experience is needed. Free training is provided, and you'll gain valuable skills while helping local families access the refunds and tax credits they deserve.
 


2027 VITA TAX SEASON

The 2027 VITA Tax Season runs January 25, 2027 through April 15, 2027.


To become a VITA volunteer, you must have a Go United account and complete the 2027 VITA Registration Form.

What Is Go United and Why It’s Important

THINK OF GO UNITED AS YOUR VOLUNTEER "HOME BASE" THROUGHOUT THE VITA SEASON.

Go United is United Way Suncoast's digital engagement platform.

Through Go United, volunteers:

  • Create a volunteer profile
  • Sign volunteer agreements and waivers
  • View and register for volunteer opportunities
  • Select volunteer shifts and tax sites
  • Track volunteer hours and participation
  • Receive volunteer communications and updates

Completing the VITA Registration Form and Why It’s Important

THINK OF THE VITA REGISTRATION FORM AS YOUR ENROLLMENT INTO THE VITA PROGRAM.

The VITA Registration Form is used specifically for the VITA program and helps the VITA team gather information needed to prepare volunteers for tax season.

All volunteers, whether new or returning, must complete the annual registration form to participate in the upcoming tax season.

Completing your VITA Registration Form ensures you'll receive:

  • Email communications and program updates
  • Volunteer updates and announcements
  • Training and orientation invitations and confirmation
  • Certification requirements and deadlines
  • Important announcements from VITA Program Managers throughout the tax season

All VITA Volunteers must create or log in to their Go United account and complete the VITA registration form.

Ready to Volunteer

RETURNING VOLUNTEERS

Welcome back! Thank you for returning to support the VITA program for another year.
To register for the 2027 VITA Tax Season, you must first log in to your Go United account. Your VITA Registration Form will be completed as part of this process.

Step 1: Log In

  • Click the orange LOG IN button in the upper-right corner of this page.
  • After logging in, you will be directed to your Account Overview page.
  • Select the VOLUNTEER tab at the top of the page.
  • Click United Way Programs and select VITA.
  • You will be redirected back to the VITA page.

Step 2: Complete Your Registration

You're halfway there!

Complete your 2027 VITA Registration Form >>HERE<<


NEW VOLUNTEERS

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VITA! We're excited to have you join our team.
To get started, you'll need to create a Go United account and complete the VITA Registration Form.

Step 1: Create Your Go United Account

  • Click HERE to create your account.
  • Select the blue "VOLUNTEERS - Click to Sign In" button.
  • Scroll down and click "Don't have an account? Sign Up."
  • Complete all required fields.
  • Check the box to accept the Terms and Conditions.
  • Click Create an Account.

Step 2: Confirm Your Email

  • Check your email inbox (including spam).
  • Click the blue Confirm Email button.
  • Once your email is confirmed, a pop-up message will appear stating, "Your account is almost ready."

Step 3: Complete Your Profile

  • Fill in the additional required information.
  • Select "I don't have any GO United records to connect."
  • Click Confirm.
  • Navigate to My Volunteer Hours and select Volunteer Center.
  • Electronically sign the Volunteer Agreement and Release.

Step 4: Return to the VITA website

  • Once your account setup is complete, you will be directed to your Account Overview page.
  • Select the VOLUNTEER tab at the top of the page.
  • Click United Way Programs and select VITA.
  • You will be redirected back to the VITA page.

Step 5: Complete Your Registration

You're almost there!

Complete your 2027 VITA Registration Form >>HERE<<

Thank you for choosing to serve your community through the VITA program. We look forward to working with you during the 2027 tax season!

IRS Certification and Orientation

COMING SOON

IRS Certification and Orientation is the next step in VITA volunteering after creating a Go United profile and completing the 2027 VITA Registration Form. Volunteer training begins in November 2026, giving you plenty of time to learn, prepare, and become IRS-certified before the season begins. Whether you're a returning volunteer or joining us for the first time, we'll provide the training and support you need to succeed.

In the meantime, explore the 3 different VITA roles below to see which would be the best fit for you.

VOLUNTEER ROLES

Site Coordinators

Lead a team. Support a site. Make it all happen.

If you’re organized and enjoy problem-solving, and like helping teams succeed, the Site Coordinator role may be the perfect fit. 
Site Coordinators oversee daily site operations, coordinate volunteer schedules, and ensure everything is in place for a successful tax season.

Requirements

Checkmark Attend the Site Coordinator orientation

Checkmark Pass the following IRS certification exams:
♦ Standards of Conduct
♦ Intake/Quality Review
♦ Advances Tax Law
♦ Site Coordinator Exam

Tax Preparers

Help families file with confidence.

Want to make a direct impact on someone's financial future? Tax Preparers work one-on-one with taxpayers to prepare and file their tax returns at no cost.
Don't worry if you've never prepared taxes before. Training and ongoing support are provided every step of the way.


Requirements

Checkmark Attend the Tax Preparer orientation

Checkmark Pass the following IRS certification exams:
♦ Standards of Conduct
♦ Intake/Quality Review
♦ Advanced Tax Law

Greeter/Screeners

Be the friendly face of VITA.

Greeters and Screeners are often the first people visitors meet when they arrive at a VITA site. In this role, you'll welcome clients, help them get checked in, and ensure they have the documents needed to complete their tax return.
This is a great opportunity for anyone who enjoys interacting with people and creating a positive, welcoming experience.

Requirements

Checkmark Attend the Greeter/Screener orientation

Checkmark Pass the following IRS certification exams:
♦ Standards of Conduct
♦ Intake/Quality Review

CORPORATE VOLUNTEERS

Looking for a meaningful team-building opportunity?
Companies and organizations can participate in VITA in several ways:

  • Volunteer as individuals
  • Participate as a small group and rotate shifts
  • Adopt and help operate an entire VITA site

All volunteers must complete the required training and IRS certification for their selected role.
To learn more about group volunteering opportunities or site sponsorship, contact vita@uwsuncoast.org.

 

Common Messages