Needs From: The Triangle Nonprofit & Volunteer Leadership Center

A VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) volunteer helps low- to moderate-income individuals and families—often including seniors, people with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency—prepare and file their federal and state income tax returns for free.

Here’s a breakdown of role options:

1. Tax Preparation and Filing

Use IRS-provided software to prepare accurate returns.

Ensure all eligible credits and deductions (like Earned Income Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit) are claimed.

E-file returns securely for clients.

2. Client Assistance and Education

Interview taxpayers to gather necessary information and documents.

Explain the return to the client in plain language before filing.

Answer basic tax questions and provide general financial literacy tips.

3. Compliance and Confidentiality

Follow IRS standards of conduct and maintain strict confidentiality with client information.

Complete required IRS training and certification each tax season.

4. Team Collaboration

Work with other volunteers, site coordinators, and quality reviewers to ensure returns are correct.

Refer clients to other community resources when appropriate.

5. Optional Specializations

Some VITA volunteers focus on appointment setting, intake, translation, greeter duties, or quality review instead of tax prep itself.

In short, a VITA volunteer isn’t just crunching numbers—they’re empowering people by helping them meet their tax obligations, potentially increase their refunds, and better understand their finances.

Chatham County is looking for SHIIP volunteers. With the many decisions people with Medicare have to make, we can never have too many volunteers to assist the millions of beneficiaries in our state.

SHIIP volunteers help fellow senior citizens and individuals with disabilities in their community with questions regarding Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare claims processing, Medicare Advantage, Medicare prescription drug plans and long-term care insurance. Volunteers should:

Not be, or have an immediate family member who is an active insurance salesperson. Complete a 13 hour on-line training certification course. Provide one-to-one counseling by appointment at counseling site or by telephone. Enter all counseling and outreach efforts into the federal STARS website. Keep all client information (medical and financial) confidential. Never recommend a specific insurance company or policy. Attend quarterly follow-up meetings.