Provide support to the Volunteer Tax Preparers who volunteer at a Free Tax Preparation site. Performs screening of all customers that are requesting assistance at the site to identify what type of return and tax schedules each customer will need assistance with and to ensure the customer has the necessary information required to complete his/her return. The screener usually does not have to pass the volunteer training and certification test. If he or she does not pass the test, they are not allowed to perform quality review on technical issues but may check the return to make sure that procedural type items have been completed correctly. For instance, they may check the returns to make sure that the Site Identification Number is entered correctly in the Paid Preparer’s Section of the tax form.

Tasks:
• Develop a log or check sheet to sign in customers needing assistance.
• Greet all customers visiting the site to create a pleasant atmosphere.
• Perform screening process of all customers:
• Survey customers to determine the type of assistance they will be needing and the tax forms that will be required to complete their tax return.
• Ensure the customer has brought the necessary information (e.g. W-2, 1099’s, last year’s return) from which a tax return can be completed.
• Complete customer information sheet for Volunteer Preparer’s reference.
• Sign in customer and indicate what type of return needs to be completed.
• Monitor site traffic to ensure that sufficient time is allowed for all customers being checked in at the site to receive assistance.
• Refer customers with complex returns to the IRS website or toll-free help number, or to a tax practitioner or firm. However, volunteers should never refer customers to a specific practitioner or firm.
• Maintain confidentiality of customer information.
• Provide general assistance to site patrons.
• Assist Site Manager and Volunteer Tax Preparers as needed.
• Adhere to Title VI by not denying service to anyone based on race, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.

• Basic tax knowledge (Form 1040, Form 1040A and Form 1040EZ). Basic tax training and certification will be provided as needed.
• Willingness to share time, skills, and interests – e.g., volunteer a minimum of 4 hours per week on the Free Tax Preparation program from January 20 through April 14.
• Ability to deal with the public in a helpful and supportive manner.
• Pride in performing tasks completely and accurately.
• Friendly, dependable and flexible.

This opportunity is sponsored by: United Way of Snohomish County

We need volunteers who are free at these times

Evenings Weekends Weekdays

Adults (26-54) Unpaid Interns Adults (55+) Young Adults (18-25)

Contact Person:
Lark Kesterke, Program Coordinator, (425) 374-5506, (email)

View all agency contacts

Address:

3120 McDougall Avenue, Suite 200 Everett, WA 98201 (See a map)

Directions:

We are located at the corner of McDougall and 32nd in downtown Everett, just one block fromthe Everett Station.   Nearest Bus Stop: Everett Station, 3 minutes minute walk

This opportunity can also be performed in these locations:

Zip codes:

98021,   98036,   98037