Volunteer with VITA

Join our team!

Become a part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance* (VITA) team and make a difference in someone's financial future. Each year, VITA volunteers help thousands of individuals and families prepare their taxes in middle Tennessee. We provide in-person locations in four counties: Bedford, Cannon, Lincoln, and Rutherford.

Click here to complete the Volunteer Interest Form.

 

Volunteer Roles

Your life skills are needed! You may be wondering, is there something here for me? The answer is yes! We have several volunteer roles that vary in responsibilities. If you are interested in volunteering, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Form to get started!

Greeter/Intake Specialist

  • Welcome taxpayers
  • Ensure taxpayers have brought all required documents
  • Provide intake form and general instructions
  • Set up and put away supplies

Translator

  • Assists taxpayers with VITA the process in Spanish, Arabic, or other languages

Computer Helper

  • Computer helpers assist taxpayers with access to their online accounts

 Tax Preparer

  • Conduct thorough interviews with taxpayers prior to data entry
  • Enter taxpayer information into tax prep software
  • Tax professionals (Enrolled Agents, Attorneys, CPAs and CFPs) may earn Continuing Education Credits
    *An experienced tax preparer reviews every return prior to filing to verify accuracy.

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 and mentoring are available online starting in November. We use the 'buddy system' at our sites to further help you develop skills.

Greeter/Intake Specialist

  • Intake Interview/Quality Review
  • IRS certification
  • Training and certification aids provided

Tax Preparer

  • Intake/Interview & Quality Review
  • Basic and/or Advanced IRS certification
  • Military or foreign student are optional

In-Person Trainings: Every volunteer must attend one training held at the United Way offices at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.

  • December 7th from 9AM - 12PM
  • January 4th from 9AM - 2PM
  • January 11th from 9AM - 2PM
  • January 18th from 9AM - 2PM

Online Trainings: Held by appointment only Wednesday evenings in January

 

Site Operations & 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 on April 15. Shifts are 3 hours or 4 hours, depending on the location. We have shifts available during the weekdays, weeknights, and weekends. 

Murfreesboro (Patterson Park): Mon, Tues, Thurs 1:00 - 7:00 PM | Sat 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Sun 1:00 - 5:00 PM
Smyrna (Town Hall Annex): Wed, Fri, Sat 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM | Wed 5:30 - 8:00 PM
Shelbyville (Senior Center): Wed, Fri, Sat 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Note: Volunteers needed on Saturdays - all sites are open 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

*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.