Volunteer with the Boston Tax Help Coalition
The Boston Tax Help Coalition is seeking volunteers for the 2023 tax season.
-
Have questions? Contact:
Volunteer Financial Guides
The Boston Tax Help Coalition is in need of passionate Volunteer Financial Guides. Volunteer Financial Guides help low-income Boston Area residents assess their financial situation. They also help people plan for a prosperous future.
Volunteer Financial Guides provide a vital tax intake experience for taxpayers by screening for:
- tax preparation
- tax prep eligibility, and
- interpreting and advising clients on their credit report.
Guides support clients by referring services, and encouraging clients to opt-in to tax-time savings options. Financial Guides provide an essential service in advising clients on their financial choices.
Guides participate in IRS training and take the IRS Certification test to take part in the volunteer program.
The Coalition Asset Building Program Coordinator places volunteer guides at a tax site. Guides commit to working 4 hours a week, or 20-30 hours across the tax season.
Volunteer Tax Preparers
People who wish to volunteer as Tax Preparers do not need prior tax experience. We will provide the necessary training. Tax Preparer volunteers use IRS TaxWise software to prepare and file taxes with eligible taxpayers. Volunteers are encouraged to serve at any site (or combination of sites) as they wish. Volunteers may choose in-person and/or virtual volunteering.
In-Person Volunteering:
Volunteers will go to the tax site, and prepare tax returns. At some sites, volunteers will provide face to face services. At other sites taxpayers will drop-off their tax documents and volunteers will prepare the taxpayer’s return once they leave.
Virtual Volunteering:
Volunteers can prepare tax returns remotely. Volunteers must have a computer and access to Wi-Fi.
Volunteers should commit to at least 4 hours a week at their selected tax site. All new volunteers must take remote training via video conferencing. The training focuses on:
- Tax law
- The correct use of reference materials
- Software training
- Tax return practice
- The IRS certification exam
All volunteers (new and returning) must pass the IRS Basic Tax Preparation certification exam to volunteer at a tax site. You can begin registering as a Tax Preparer in mid-November
Become a Volunteer
Become a volunteer with the Boston Tax Help Coalition for the 2023 tax season.
Volunteer Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked QuestionsEvery year, the Coalition enables low-income families to avoid the fees and high-interest rates associated with commercial tax preparers. Through our services, taxpayers can utilize government benefits and obtain information necessary for financial growth. In 2019, the 356 Boston Tax Help volunteers facilitated the refunds of 12,443 taxpayers, totaling $23 million in tax refunds.
Please register as a volunteer for the 2023 tax season.
We are looking for tax preparers only for this upcoming tax season. Please visit the Volunteer Positions page for a complete description of each volunteer position.
Absolutely! We train volunteers from all walks of life and guide volunteers throughout the training and volunteer process.
Upon registering as a volunteer, you will receive an email within one business day that includes a link to training sign-up.
No, as a returning volunteer you do not have to attend another training. However, refresher training is available.
Returning Tax Preparers will need to get re-certified. To do this, please register as a Tax Preparer and the Volunteer Coordinator will email you certification requirements.
Volunteers have a choice to volunteer in-person or virtually at our tax sites. Please visit here to see a list of tax preparation locations.
Your site coordinator will contact you in December/early January.
Yes, site coordinators offer site orientation in January for all volunteers. Your site coordinator will notify you of possible dates in January for orientation.
All volunteers are requested to be trained (and certified) by the end of January 2023, to begin volunteering by February 2023. Some sites open earlier, so you should check with your Site Coordinator for specific start dates.
Volunteers are respectfully requested to volunteer at their selected tax site at least 4 hours a week, or for a total of 30 hours throughout tax season.
Yes, if you are interested in our temporary and seasonal paid contract positions during the tax season, please see a list of our current open positions.
-
Have questions? Contact:
