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.

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 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?

  • 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).

    • 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 TRAINING SESSIONS ARE CONCLUDED FOR THE 2021 TAX SEASON

    Thank you for your interest! 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.

    ALL TRAINING SESSIONS ARE CONCLUDED FOR THE 2021 TAX SEASON

    Thank you for your interest! We hope to have you join us next year!

  • 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!

    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

  • 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!