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Make a Meaningful Impact as a VITA Volunteer
Make a meaningful impact in your community by becoming a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Volunteer! Help San Diego County residents secure the tax refunds they deserve and strengthen the financial well-being of families across the region.
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 What is a VITA Volunteer?
As a VITA volunteer, you’ll receive IRS certification in order to provide free tax preparation assistance to low- and middle-income individuals and families across San Diego County. Through the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition, VITA volunteers help ensure eligible taxpayers claim valuable credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit, which puts more money back into the pockets of San Diegans who need the financial support most.
By volunteering, you’ll directly assist households in receiving critical refunds for essential needs like housing, food, education, and more! In the process, you’ll gain tax preparation skills, connect with others, and be part of a county-wide movement to promote economic mobility!
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“What inspired me to volunteer was being able to help people by providing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to families that are in need. It was a wonderful experience.”
- Martin Hernandez, VITA Volunteer
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Why Become a VITA Volunteer?
When you join as a VITA volunteer in San Diego, you’re not just giving back—you’re making a significant, tangible difference. Here’s what you gain:
- Professional Experience: Acquire tax prep skills and interact with community members and volunteers.
- Help Others: Assist San Diegans, returning millions in refunds that uplift local families and the economy.
- Network: Connect with a dedicated community of volunteers and professionals.
- Free Training: Receive comprehensive IRS certification training at no cost.
- Flexible Hours: Set a volunteer schedule that fits your availability.
- Resume Builder: Add valuable community service experience to your resume.
- Community Service Hours: Count your hours toward school or service requirements.
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 Make a Meaningful Impact as a VITA Volunteer
We’re looking for passionate, community-driven individuals—whether you’re a retiree, student, or just want to give back! You’ll play a critical role in helping families access free tax preparation services.
The ideal VITA Volunteer is:
- Community-Oriented: Eager to support San Diegans
- A Strong Communicator: Can explain tax details clearly
- Basic Computer Skills: Comfortable using computers and software preferred.
- Detail-Oriented: Precise and thorough with paperwork
- Eager to Learn: Open to gaining new skills and collaborating as a team
- Committed: Ready to volunteer consistently throughout the tax season
If you’re bilingual, even better! All languages are needed, especially Spanish speakers.
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“I was looking for a volunteer opportunity that would be applicable to my major to complete the hours required for my schooling. Volunteering with the San Diego County Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition ended up being a really great experience. You are helping people with more than just taxes, you are making people realize that they are not alone and that they can be successful in life with some help.”- Laura Hellmers, VITA Volunteer
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Volunteer Qualifications
No experience? No problem! You’ll receive all the training you need. Volunteering with VITA allows you to choose your site and hours, offering flexibility in your schedule.
There is no age minimum required to volunteer, but any volunteer under the age of 18 must have a parent of a guardian sign off on participation.
Requirements:
- Complete a volunteer orientation.
- Pass background checks, TB, or drug tests if required by certain locations (free of charge).
- Participate in virtual and/or live training sessions.
- Complete IRS online certification exams.
- Commit to volunteering 1-2 times per week, either onsite or virtually.
Prefer not to prepare taxes? We also need greeters and administrative volunteers—this is a great way to get involved without the tax prep!
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 Training & Timeline
Training starts in December 2024, with flexible options to suit your schedule. After completing training, you’ll take a simple IRS exam to finalize your certification.
You’ll then help clients from late January to mid-April 2025. Your time and effort will be instrumental in helping local families secure much-needed tax refunds.
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Ready to Make a Difference as a Volunteer?
Complete the form below to inquire about becoming a VITA Volunteer!
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