Tax Season 2021
This Tax Season, Food Bank shifted from in-person appointments to an end-to-end virtual model, allowing both clients and volunteers to participate completely virtually while ensuring the process remains safe and secure.
Volunteer recruitment is now closed for the 2021 Tax Season. However, we look forward to welcoming volunteers for the 2022 Tax Season! Info sessions will be posted in Fall 2021.
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 financial experience needed – volunteers of all professional backgrounds welcome!
AS A VOLUNTEER TAX PREPARER, YOU’LL HAVE THE CHANCE TO:
1. REGISTER FOR FOOD BANK VIRTUAL TRAINING
NOTE: Trainings for the 2022 Tax Season will open for registration in November 2021. Prior to attending your first training session, you must create an IRS Volunteer Account at linklearncertification.com and complete the 2021 Basic Certification (see Step 2).
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.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.2. COMPLETE 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!
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.
3. 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).
4. 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!