Volunteer for SDC's Free Tax Preparation Program

Become an SDC Free Tax Preparation Volunteer and Help Make a Difference in the Community

The Social Development Commission (SDC) is recruiting volunteers to assist in providing free tax services to members of the community who need it the most.

SDC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation services to households who generally make an annual income of $66,000 or less – persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.

Over the last two decades, SDC’s VITA volunteers prepared more than 220,000 federal and state tax returns at no cost to families. This is an essential resource in the community as we put much needed money back into the pockets of tax filers.

General Requirements and Skills Needed:

  • Must be a minimum of 18 years of age
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Friendly, dependable, flexible and a team player
  • A commitment of a minimum of 30 hours during tax season (January – mid-April)
  • Bilingual helpful, but not required

How to Apply

All volunteers are required to complete the VITA Volunteer application and Background Information Disclosure using our secure document signing software (HelloSign). If interested, please email Diane Robinson at drobinson@cr-sdc.org who will provide you access to the link to complete the registration.

Here are five good reasons why you should consider becoming a VITA volunteer.

  1. Flexible hours. Volunteers generally serve an average of three to five hours per week. The program is usually open from mid-January through the tax filing deadline in April. A few sites are open year-round.
  2. VITA sites are often nearby and need your help. Sites are set up in various neighborhoods throughout Milwaukee County. They are often set up in community centers, schools, community/faith-based organizations, and other similar places. Chances are good that you may find a VITA site near you.
  3. No prior experience needed. You’ll receive specialized training and can serve in a variety of roles. If you are fluent in another language, you may be able to help those who speak that language.
  4. Free tax law training and materials. Learn from licensed and experienced instructors about how to prepare basic tax returns and access all the latest tax deductions and credits that benefit eligible taxpayers.
  5. Continuing education credits (CEUs) for tax pros. Enrolled Agents and non-credentialed tax return preparers can earn credits when volunteering as a VITA instructor, quality reviewer or tax preparer. See the IRS fact sheet for more information on CEUs.

 

SDC’s volunteers help make the VITA Free Tax Preparation program possible.

As a volunteer, you will work with incredible people and get hands-on experience with tax preparation and customer service assisting individuals and families in filing their taxes. You’ll be making a positive impact, helping thousands of local residents become more financially stable and self-sufficient by accessing eligible federal and state credits.

Volunteers receive free accredited training, help customers begin to build financial assets, and are part of a program that impacts thousands of households every year. Join us in making 2022 an outstanding and successful tax season by volunteering for VITA and making a difference in your community.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, training will be a guided self-study with limited classroom sessions. Once approved, you will be contacted to set up the guided self-study training through the certification process.

All tax sites require face coverings and social distancing is practiced. Customer drop-off and pick-up methods are in place to minimize customer contact. Please visit SDC’s VITA Free Tax Preparation webpage to learn more about the program.

CR-Social Development Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, political affiliation or belief. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. If you need this information interpreted to a language you understand or in a different format, please contact Jennifer Harris, Equal Opportunity Officer, at 414-906-2784 or jharris@cr-sdc.org. Callers who are deaf or hearing or speech-impaired may reach us at Wisconsin Relay Number 711.

SDC-Main Office
1730 West North Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53205
414.906.2700

SDC-Chase Avenue
CLOSED

SDC-Northwest
9155 North 76th Street
Milwaukee, WI 53223

SDC-Southwest
9004 West Lincoln Avenue
West Allis, WI 53227

SDC-Teutonia
6850 North Teutonia Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53209
414.963.2684

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