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Make a measurable economic impact

VITA free tax prep volunteers gain practical knowledge to help taxpayers throughout our region.

Meet Julius – A Volunteer and Veteran

For the past nine years, Julius has been a dedicated VITA volunteer, serving the community with the same commitment he brought to his 32 years in the U.S. Air Force. Through VITA, Julius welcomes individuals and families across Middle Tennessee.

We welcome volunteers from every corner of our community—professionals, retirees, students, and veterans like Julius. No matter your background, you can make a meaningful difference!

Watch Julius share his story and learn how you can join the VITA volunteer team.

What is VITA?

VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) created the VITA program to provide free tax preparation and electronic filing for low- to moderate-income taxpayers using community partners and volunteers. Each year, VITA volunteers help thousands of individuals and families prepare their taxes in middle Tennessee. We provide in-person locations in 8 counties and virtually for the state of Tennessee.

Join the team

We are recruiting for the following roles. No prior tax experience necessary. Training is provided. If you have any special talents that may help VITA, please let us know.

Volunteer Roles

Greeter/Intake Specialist

  • Welcome taxpayers
  • Ensure taxpayers have brought all required documents
  • Provide intake form

Navigator

  • Explain Virtual VITA process
  • Upload taxpaper documents

 Tax Preparer

  • Conduct thorough interviews with taxpayers
  • Enter taxpayer information into tax prep software
  • Tax professionals (Enrolled Agents, Attorneys, CPAs and CFPs) may earn Continuing Education Credits

Volunteer Requirements

Certifications: All VITA volunteers must pass IRS certification tests. Your volunteer role determines which tests you must complete. No prior experience is necessary. United Way offers free materials and training in December/January to prepare. Self-study training is available online starting in November.

Greeter/Intake Specialist

Navigator

Tax Preparer

Time Commitment

Volunteers are needed to work at least one shift per week during the tax season which will run from late January, or as soon as the IRS opens for electronic filing, to Tax Day, which is traditionally on April 15. Shifts are 3 hours or 4 hours, depending on the location. We have shifts available during the weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. If you prefer volunteering virtually, then there is more flexibility in determining a schedule that is convenient for you.

Ethics

All volunteers are expected to uphold the Volunteer Standards of Conduct. The Volunteer Protection Act of 1997 protects volunteers for acts they perform within the scope of responsibilities under the Volunteer Standards of Conduct. The Act excludes conduct that is willful or criminal, reckless, grossly negligent, or that constitutes a conscious, vagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual potentially harmed by the volunteer.

we’re seeing results

247

Volunteers

1,400+

Volunteer hours

9,712

Returns filed

$10.3M

Total federal refunds

$2.6M

Fees Saved