Tax Prep

Provide Free Tax Prep and Make It Count

Tax preparation fees can cost New Yorkers hundreds each year. For someone living paycheck to paycheck, every dollar makes a difference.

We run Tax Prep projects in collaboration with a nationwide IRS program called Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). This program offers free tax prep support to low-income individuals and families, people with disabilities, seniors, and people who speak limited or no English. 

The goal is to put more dollars back in the pockets of New Yorkers – in one season, a single VITA volunteer can return $80,000 to their neighbors! 

To get started, update your Interests to include Tax Prep. Make sure to check off "Yes, Email Me" to opt into seasonal emails about training, program availability, and more!

Volunteer info sessions will be available in November.

Update Interests
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WHAT TO EXPECT

Want to join in but not a tax expert? We’ve got you covered! Through our comprehensive training, you’ll be set up for success to get certified and help New Yorkers file. Many volunteers new to tax preparation have succeeded in getting hard-earned money back into the hands of their neighbors by joining our programs. 

Note: Links and materials will be updated each year, once that year's exam becomes available, typically near the end of November.

1. Become a New York Cares Volunteer

If you haven't already created a New York Cares account, do so here. You'll be directed to take our online orientation, which is required for anyone volunteering with New York Cares.

2. Complete New York Cares training

You’ll need to complete an online training to learn more about the program and how to participate. 

3. Complete and Submit IRS Certification (Available now for 2024)

VITA/TCE Central

Once ready, use the button above to create a VITA account and take your certification exam (see our instruction guide). You must answer 80% of the questions correctly to pass. You will have two chances to pass the exam - plus, it's open book!

As of 2024, users will not be able to use their old username and password to access the site, you must login using the email address you used to access the system last year. To access the new site, users from last year will need to use the forgot password link (as shown below) and follow the prompts. New volunteers will need to click on the Create new account button and follow the prompts.

Important: when you complete the exam, you must send your certifications to New York Cares. You will be required to present these  documents again on your tax sites. 

  • 2024 Volunteer Standards of Conduct Exam Certificate
  • 2024 Intake/Interview and Quality Review Exam Certificate
  • 2024 Basic Exam OR 2024 Advanced Exam Certificate
  • IRS Volunteer Agreement Form (The form must be signed and show passing scores for all 3 exams.)

Don't know where to start? New York Cares provides on-demand resources to help you prepare for the exam. Please note that materials will be updated as they become available for the upcoming filing season in late November.

Submit Certification Documents

4. Complete a Background Check

Due to the nature of the program and the clients you’ll be working with, you are required to complete a background check. We’ll send you a link to complete your background check, which will take up to a week to approve once you submit your certification documents.

5. Sign Up for a Tax Prep Shift

We’ll send you a unique project code to view all available programs in need of your support, running across the city on different days of the week and times depending on the Community Partner’s needs. Virtual programs may be limited or unavailable depending on Partner request.

FAQs

  • What happens if someone doesn’t get a refund?

    It’s rare but it happens! Typically, you as an individual filer will not need to deal with us. Discuss with your Team Leader how they normally handle the situation – sometimes Team Leaders will provide the information to the client, other times the Community Partner will. Either way, it will not be on you to help the client navigate the situation.
     
  • What if I file something wrong? Am I legally liable?

    Chances are very slim that you’ll make a mistake – someone will check the information before and after you input the data, and the TaxSlayer software automatically computes everything for you, like TurboTax, TaxAct, and other similar software. You are not legally liable for any mistakes regardless, as you sign a Volunteer Code of Conduct upon completing certification. It covers you for any legal liability, so you can volunteer stress-free.

    Community Partners are responsible for tax return accuracy during the Tax Prep program. This is not the responsibility of volunteers.
     

  • How is volunteering on a tax prep program different to other projects?
     

    Apart from the certification and background check, not much. You do get to volunteer with the same group each week, allowing you to build relationships between volunteers, Community Partners, and even clients!
     

  • What support is provided to new volunteers?

    We run weekly study groups, typically late November - mid-January for like-minded, test-taking volunteers to get together and study under the guidance of an experienced Tax Prep Team Leader. We also hire a seasonal tax expert to answer any specific questions and of course, you can always contact us at info@newyorkcares.org
     
  • What happens if I can’t make one or more of the dates in my Tax Prep program?

    Don’t sweat it! We allow for up to 2 planned absences per person. Notify your Team Leader in advance so that they can mark you as canceled for that session and plan around your absence.
     
  • Do we support filing for just federal or is state included?

    We do federal and state. Additional training and support is provided to focus on NY state requirements.
     
  • Are there virtual programs available?

    That is subject to Community Partner requests. Typically, there are very few virtual programs available for Tax Prep, if any.
     
  • Do I have to retake the exams if I passed last year?

    Yes, a tax volunteer must re-certify and pass the exams every year.
     
  • How do I serve as an interpreter? What are the requirements?

    You only need to pass two exams and complete our standard background check:
     
    • 2024 Volunteer Standards of Conduct Training (10 questions)
    • 2024 Intake/Interview and Quality Review Training (10 questions)