Volunteer with SFCASA’s VITA site!

 

Tax Corner: What is VITA?

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is administered by the IRS to provide free tax preparation to eligible taxpayers. State and Federal returns are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers, who undergo training and are required to pass an IRS exam. SF CASA’s VITA site exclusively serves the foster youth population.

What We Do

SFCASA’s VITA site exists to help current/former foster youth prepare and file their tax return(s) for FREE! Yes, for FREE!

With the help of incredible IRS Certified volunteers, we help youth understand and navigate the tax system. SFCASA’s VITA site does not just prepare and file, we also strive to educate filers about their rights, tax compliance/laws, and other tax related topics.

Anyone with the time, willingness, and passion for advancing economic mobility and financial literacy is welcome to join us!

Please scroll for more details on how YOU can become an IRS Certified VITA volunteer!

Ways to Volunteer

YOU can help current/former foster youth put money back into their pockets!

Certifications required to do client intakes:

  1. Volunteer Standards of Conduct

  2. Intake/Interview and Quality Review

Certifications required to be a tax preparer:

  1. Volunteer Standards of Conduct

  2. Intake/Interview and Quality Review

  3. Basic OR Advanced Preparer Certification

Certifications required to do QR:

  1. Volunteer Standards of Conduct

  2. Intake/Interview and Quality Review

  3. Advanced Preparer Certification ONLY

Site Information

Applications are closed!

★ Volunteers will be able to prepare/QR for tax years 2024, 2023, 2022 & 2021

Volunteer Timeline

#1—Application

Please fill out the interest form/application above. Someone from our team will follow up with more information within 24-72 hours.

#2—Complete trainings

New volunteers MUST undergo IRS training to obtain their certifications. Trainings will be offered in-person & remotely in December/January. Self-paced trainings will also be available.

#3—Examination

All volunteers must pass the Volunteer Standards of Conduct and Intake/Interview exams. Preparers/reviewers MUST take the Basic/Advanced exam. Volunteers MUST submit their IRS certifications before volunteering.

#4—Volunteer

Get pumped and start volunteering after getting IRS certified! SFCASA’s VITA site will operate from February to April 2025. Volunteers have the option of staying until the end of June 2025.

Take a Glance: Volunteering with VITA at SFCASA

Thank you to Nathaniel M. for the incredible edit!

“The best part about VITA at SFCASA is definitely the people! The community is incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. I’ve learned a lot and met some amazing people in my short time already.”
— Harrison K.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

Certification:

  • Yes, all VITA volunteers MUST be IRS certified yearly.

    However, depending on what position you volunteer in, you might not need to take all 3 exams.

  • All of the exams are open book and untimed.

    Both the Volunteer Standards of Conduct and Intake/Interview/QR exams are composed of 10 questions. It usually takes less than 30 minutes to complete.

    The Basic and Advanced preparer exams have 35 questions. You do NOT have to take both but each can take up to 4 hours.

  • You must receive at least an 80% or higher on EACH exam.

    You have 2 attempts to pass each exam.

Not seeing an answer to a question you have? We got you covered! Please email anna@sfcasa.org.

Volunteering:

  • NO! :)

    Although any prior experience is a plus, it is not a requirement. You will gain hands-on experience with us!

  • Yes!

    Here are some ways you can combine them:

    1) Intaker, preparer, and quality reviewer

    2) Preparer and quality reviewer

    3) Intaker and quality reviewer

    4) Intaker and preparer

  • There is no official time commitment.

    However, we do ask that you have a consistent set schedule once the tax season begins!

  • That is a-okay!

  • You will be assisting current and former foster youth in California!

SFCASA’s VITA Site:

  • The site officially opens on February 1, 2025.

    The site will close on April 15, 2025.

  • No!

    If you are a current or soon-to-be CASA, you are not expected to also volunteer with our VITA site.

    However, we would be more than happy if you are interested.

    CASAs who work with youth 16+ are highly encouraged to join our tax project!