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TAX PREPARER

Tax Preparers are at the heart of the VITA program, helping eligible taxpayers complete and file their returns with confidence. Working one-on-one with taxpayers, Tax Preparers ensure returns are completed accurately at no cost. By helping individuals and families claim valuable tax credits and refunds, you'll play an important role in strengthening financial stability in our community.

No tax preparation experience is required. Volunteers must complete the required training and certification steps before serving, and training and ongoing support are provided every step of the way.

STEP ONE: CREATE A UNITED WAY SUNCOAST GO UNITED VOLUNTEER ACCOUNT

All Tax Preparers must have a United Way Suncoast (UWS) Go United account to participate in VITA.

Returning Volunteers:

New Volunteers:

Click the Create Go United Account button below
Follow the prompted steps and confirm your email.
Once your email is confirmed, a pop-up message will appear stating, "Your account is almost ready."
Complete your profile by filling in the required information.
Once confirmed, navigate to My Volunteer Hours and select Volunteer Center to electronically sign the Volunteer Agreement and Release waiver.

You must be logged into your UWS Go United Account to complete Step Two. After creating or logging into your account, return to this page to continue.

STEP TWO: COMPLETE THE 2027 VITA VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION FORM

The VITA Registration Form serves as your enrollment in the VITA program. Before accessing the form, be sure you are logged into your volunteer account. All volunteers, both new and returning, must complete the annual registration form to participate in the upcoming tax season. The information collected helps the VITA team prepare volunteers for a successful season and ensures you receive important program communications, including:

Program updates and volunteer announcements
Training and orientation invitations
Certification requirements and deadlines
Important information from VITA Program Managers throughout the tax season

STEP THREE: GET CERTIFIED

Certification prepares Tax Preparers with the knowledge and skills needed to accurately assist taxpayers and meet IRS requirements for volunteer tax preparation. Volunteers can complete certification through one of three options: in-person certification, virtual certification, or self-certification.

New Tax Preparers are strongly encouraged to participate in an in-person or virtual certification session. These guided sessions are designed to support volunteers through the certification process, provide hands-on practice, and build confidence using the tax software. Returning Tax Preparers who have previously volunteered with VITA may choose the self-certification option.

New Tax Preparers who attend an in-person certification session will complete their required Volunteer Orientation (step 4) as part of the training. Volunteers who choose virtual certification or self-certification must also register for and attend one Virtual Orientation session to complete their onboarding requirements.

All Tax Preparers must successfully complete the required IRS certification exams before volunteering.

STEP FOUR: REGISTER FOR THE TAX PREPARER ORIENTATION

All Tax Preparers are required to attend one Tax Preparer Orientation session before serving at a VITA site. This orientation is designed to help you understand the expectations, policies, and procedures established by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and United Way Suncoast, ensuring you are prepared to confidently support taxpayers and contribute to a successful volunteer experience.

During the session, program staff will cover:

Program updates and important information for the tax season
Safety guidelines and site procedures
How to sign up for volunteer opportunities
Where to find support and resources throughout the season
Common taxpayer questions and what to expect at a VITA site

Which orientation should I attend?

Tax Preparers who completed virtual certification or self-certification should register for one of the available orientation sessions below.
Returning Tax Preparers are encouraged to register for the Virtual: Returning Tax Preparers session, which includes seasonal updates, refresher training, and discussion of more advanced tax scenarios.
New Tax Preparers who attended an in-person certification session have already completed orientation as part of the certification training and do not need to register for an additional session.

STEP FIVE: VOLUNTEER

Once certified, proceed to volunteer by registering at any of our VITA locations.
Check back early December 2026 for volunteer opportunities.

Optional Q&A: Connect and Engage with the IRS

Whether you're new to VITA or in need of additional support, gather your questions and join one of our Connect, Engage, Ask, Discover sessions. These virtual sessions, led by an IRS professional, provide an open forum for volunteers to ask any questions or express concerns related to VITA.