VITA Volunteer Information
Each year, in partnership with the IRS’ Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, Community Action Partnership of Hennepin County (CAP-HC) recruits and trains volunteers to provide free tax filing assistance for eligible participants, including older adults, people with disabilities, people with low-incomes, and those whose first language isn’t English.
Who Should Volunteer?
VITA volunteers ensure that community members receive the refunds and credits that help them stay financially stable. If you’re looking for a meaningful way to build skills, become a VITA volunteer.
- People interested in learning about tax preparation and finance, even without prior experience.
- Bilingual or multilingual individuals who can help non-English speaking clients.
- People with flexible schedules—evenings, weekends, or some weekday availability.
- Students, retirees, or community-minded folks looking for meaningful volunteering opportunities.
- Anyone who wants to give back to their community.
Why Volunteer?
Each year, many Minnesotans depend on free, quality tax services to file accurate returns. By volunteering, you’ll be providing an essential public service that strengthens our community.
As a VITA Volunteer, you’ll:
- Support your community in a meaningful way during tax season (generally January through mid-April)
- Receive quality training and ongoing support
- Gain skills and experience using tax software, interacting with clients, and being part of a team
- Have opportunities to earn continuing education credits (qualifying roles only)
- Be part of a welcoming volunteer community committed to helping others
Volunteer Roles
You do not need prior tax or accounting experience to become a VITA volunteer. All volunteers receive training and support so they feel confident in their roles—whether greeting clients, supporting technology needs, or preparing returns. Please note that some roles require training and certification.
Whether you prefer working directly with clients or providing support behind the scenes, we have a variety of volunteer opportunities.
Client-Facing Roles
Administrative & Customer Service Support
Role Summary: Provide general administrative support to CAP-HC staff and volunteers and provide exceptional customer service to clients.
Greeter
Role Summary: Welcome clients, help them check in, and confirm they have the documents they need for their appointment.
Screener
Role Summary: Welcome clients, help them check in, confirm they have the documents they need for their appointment, answer tax law questions, and assign tax returns to tax preparers.
Interpreter
Role Summary: Provide translation for clients who are not fluent in English or are deaf and hard of hearing. Fluency in English plus another language (Spanish, Hmong, Somali, Sign Language, among others) is required.
Tax Preparer
Role Summary: Prepare federal and state tax returns for clients using tax software.
No prior tax experience needed—training and equipment provided.
Quality Reviewer
Role Summary: Review completed tax returns prepared at VITA sites to ensure clients receive high-quality service and that tax returns are error-free before filing.
Certification is required for this role. Previous experience is preferred. Training to become certified and equipment will be provided.
Behind-the-Scenes Support
Technology Specialist
Assist volunteers and clients with tax-software usage, data entry, and ensure smooth operation of computers or devices.
Site Coordinator
Manage logistics at tax clinics, including schedule management, supplies, team support, and workflow. This role requires certification. Training to become certified and equipment will be provided.
Volunteer Tax Trainer
Help train new volunteers on tax return preparation and the tax-filing software. This role requires prior experience and certification. Training to become certified and equipment will be provided.
Get Started
Ready to become a VITA volunteer? Complete this form to get started, and a staff member will follow up with you soon.
Still have questions? Please email us at taxassistance@caphennepin.org or call 952-697-1414.