How to Volunteer

To volunteer with the EITC Program, review the list of sites, select one that is conveniently located near you, and call or e-mail the volunteer coordinator of that site to begin your volunteer experience.

Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Program

The Countywide Earned Income Tax Credit Program (EITC) connects low-income San Diegans to free tax preparation services.  During each tax season (January-April) trained community volunteers at locations throughout the region help working families file their federal and state tax returns, ensuring that they claim all of the refunds for which they are eligible.  Through the EITC, families that make below $40,000 may receive an additional credit of up to $4,400 when they file their tax returns.  This money helps families pay bills, start savings, and provide for their children.  In 2007, over 400 trained volunteers at 90 different sites throughout San Diego County helped working families and individuals file over 29,000 Federal and State tax returns, bringing to the community an estimated $15.3 million in tax credits/refunds, including more than $5.6 million in EITC refunds. 

Volunteering with the EITC Program

The EITC program relies on volunteers to serve as free tax preparers, screeners, intake coordinators, and translators.  No previous experience is necessary- all volunteers receive appropriate training for their positions.  All locations have a supervising tax professional onsite to assist with problems and provide support.  The EITC sites are approved by the IRS so there is no personal liability to the volunteer tax preparers. 

Volunteer Descriptions and Training Requirements 

Volunteer Position: EITC Program Tax Preparation Volunteer

Description: Volunteer Tax Preparers work with clients in a one-on-one setting to help them file their annual federal and state tax returns.  Tax preparers use a computer program called TaxWise to enter in the clients’ information and file their return electronically.

Time Commitment: Volunteers must be willing to commit a minimum of 4 hours per week from January through April during the site operating hours (to be determined by each site- usually evenings and Saturdays); volunteers must also fulfill all training requirements (see section on Training below).

Required Skills: No tax experience is necessary. Must be comfortable working on a computer.  Must be comfortable working one-one-one with people.  Bilingual skills a plus but not required

Training Requirements: Prior to January, Tax Preparation Volunteers are required to complete a free IRS online training course that teaches the basics of tax law.  This can be completed from their own home and could take up to 10 hours depending on their comprehension and computer skills.  In addition, Tax Preparation Volunteers are required to attend free in-class training at their volunteer site to learn how to use the Taxwise software, discuss confidentiality, and review tax law.  This training takes place in December or January and is usually 8-12 hours in length (spread over two or three evening and/or weekend sessions, depending on the site).

Volunteer Title: EITC Program Translation Volunteer

Description: Provide translation between the Volunteer Tax Preparer and client. Spanish is in high demand although other languages are needed as well.

Time Commitment: At least 2-4 hours per week during the site operating hours (to be determined by each site- usually evenings and Saturdays)

Required Skills: Must be fully fluent in English and another language.

Training Requirements: Translation Volunteers are required to attend a short evening training that will cover the client intake process, forms, procedures, customer service skills, etc.  Volunteers are also invited to attend a Volunteer Orientation that includes a welcome, site overview, procedures, and rules about client confidentiality.

Volunteer Position: EITC Program Intake Volunteer

Description: The Intake Volunteer will work with clients when they initially come to the site to have their taxes filed.  The Intake Volunteer prepares client folders for tax preparers; assists with site preparation; greets and makes clients feel comfortable at the site; helps clients fill out the intake sheet; provides literature on financial literacy programs and affordable health care services available to eligible clients.

Time Commitment: At least 2-4 hours per week during the site operating hours (to be determined by each site- usually evenings and Saturdays)

Required Skills: Must be comfortable working one-one-one with people. 

Training Requirements: Intake Volunteers are required to attend a one session evening training that will cover the client intake process, forms, procedures, customer service skills, etc.  Volunteers are also invited to attend a Volunteer Orientation that includes a welcome, site overview, procedures, and rules about client confidentiality.

Volunteer Position: EITC Program Phone Screening Volunteer

Description: The Screening Volunteer will contact clients via telephone to verify their eligibility for the free tax preparation services based on pre-written questions.  The Phone Screening Volunteer will also schedule appointments for eligible clients and assist with follow-up reminder calls.

Time Commitment: At least 2-4 hours per week; time of day is flexible depending on the specific site and the volunteer’s availability.

Required Skills: Basic telephone and computer skills.

Training Requirements: Phone Screening Volunteers are required to attend a one session evening training that will cover the client intake process, forms, procedures, customer service skills, etc.  Volunteers are also invited to attend a Volunteer Orientation that includes a welcome, site overview, procedures, and rules about client confidentiality.