Our tax program is back! See our changes in light of covid-19

For Tax Season 2021, we’ll be offering two models of tax filing services: 1) CONTACTLESS IN-PERSON – working onsite with other volunteers (socially distanced) to file returns dropped off in advance by clients; and 2) VIRTUAL – serving remotely from your personal computer to file returns submitted virtually by clients.

Benefits of Becoming a Volunteer Tax Preparer with Food Bank

Food Bank For New York City’s FREE citywide tax assistance program has put more than $1 billion back into the pockets of low-income New Yorkers. We rely on dedicated volunteers to support this impactful anti-poverty work. No professional financial experience needed – volunteers of all professional backgrounds welcome!

AS A VOLUNTEER TAX PREPARER, YOU’LL HAVE THE CHANCE TO:

  • Return an average of $35,000 in refunds to low-income New Yorkers.
  • Build relationships with fellow tax volunteers at weekly sessions from January – April.
  • Obtain FREE basic IRS tax certification and transferrable financial skills.
  • Receive an invite to our virtual Volunteer Appreciation Party at the end of the tax season.

How Do I Get Started

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REGISTER FOR FOOD BANK VIRTUAL TRAINING

NOTE: While we encourage you to register now, prior to attending your first virtual training session, you must first create an IRS Volunteer Account at www.linklearncertification.com and complete the 2020 Basic Certification (see Step 2).

  • FOR NEW VITA VOLUNTEERS
  • FOR RETURNING VITA VOLUNTEERS

New volunteers are required to complete both a Part 1 AND a Part 2 training session.
Select your most convenient dates for each part below. All trainings are held virtually via Zoom.

All Part 1 and Part 2 training sessions are currently full!

Thank you for your interest! Our current trainings for new VITA volunteers are fully booked. We hope to have you join us next year!

Returning to serve with VITA? Sign up for a refresher session below!
Only one session required for returning volunteers – click to register. All trainings are held virtually via Zoom.

Wednesday, January 6th (5:30pm – 9:00pm)

Thursday, January 7th (5:30pm – 9:00pm)

Sunday, January 10th  (9:00am – 12:30pm)

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Complete Online IRS Tax CERTIFICATION

Work through the certification modules at your convenience. We estimate you’ll need between 10-15 hours to complete them all – which you can take straight through or break up into increments that work for you! Once you’ve completed the modules, you must complete these three Link & Learn exams on the IRS website: 1) Volunteer Standards of Conduct Exam, 2) Intake/Interview and Quality Review Exam, 3) Basic Exam.

We've got study guide videos to help you prepare!

These free videos will help you prepare for the three required certification exams – be sure to reference them as you study!

see videos

download our VITA Volunteer Essential Links Toolkit

This sheet contains links to all the VITA, IRS Certification, and Study Guide resources you may need to help you get started.

DOWNLOAD
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Send us your passing test results

Email your passing test results to us at taxvolunteer@foodbanknyc.org prior to starting your virtual Food Bank training (which you signed up for in Step 1).

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Attend virtual training and start your service

Attend the virtual Food Bank training(s) you registered for in Step 1 and begin serving with VITA!