Make Tax Season Count

Ready to Make an Impact that Adds Up? 

Join Tax Prep! Explore the Tax Prep volunteer journey and find your place in the process.

For many families, a tax refund can be one of the largest checks they receive all year. Every dollar matters, and every return can create an opportunity for relief, stability, and hope. Help make that difference as a New York Cares tax prep volunteer.

We run Tax Prep projects in collaboration with the nationwide IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at locations across NYC. Through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programming, certified volunteers can help low-income New Yorkers file their taxes for free! 

As a Tax Prep volunteer, you ensure that clients access every credit and deduction available to them, creating a trusted service that helps ease financial stress and strengthen economic stability for our neighbors.

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

Gain More Than Just Experience

Tax Prep is for everyone. You don’t need a background in finance or a career in tax assistance to make an impact. Whether you’re learning something new, building professional skills, or simply looking for a meaningful way to give back, you’ll be supported every step of the way. 

Build real-world skills through hands-on tax preparation.

  • Gain client experience through real-world taxpayer interactions.
  • Explore career paths in tax, accounting, finance, and related fields.
  • Build your résumé with experience using industry-standard tax software.
  • Earn academic or professional credits when eligible.

  • Make an impact by helping New Yorkers access critical financial support. 

     

Tax Prep DCWP Celebration


Your Tax Prep Journey

Want to join in but not a tax expert? We’ve got you covered! Through comprehensive training and preparation, you’ll be supported in completing the required certification and getting ready to volunteer during tax season

Come ready to learn. Leave ready to make an impact.

Get Started Now
  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. 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.
     
  3. Complete a Self-guided Training. Complete our tax prep training to ensure you understand how to participate.
OCTOBER - JANUARY

  1. Attend an Info Session. Attend a Tax Prep Information Session to learn more about the program, expectations, certification support, and what to expect during tax season. Information sessions may be offered virtually or in person.

    If you missed our Tax Prep info sessions, you can view information on what to expect and how to get involved in our Tax Prep Volunteer Overview guide.

  2. Join a Study Group. Study groups take place during November and December and provide an opportunity for volunteers to prepare for certification with support from experienced Tax Prep Team Leaders and a seasonal tax consultant. 

  3. Sign Up for a Tax Prep Shift. Tax Prep projects take place at different sites, days, and times depending on Community Partner needs. Volunteers are expected to attend sessions weekly. Each volunteer session is about four hours long, with up to two planned absences allowed between January and April. 

    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.  

  4. Submit IRS Certification. All VITA volunteers must complete and pass the required IRS certification before participating in Tax Prep programming. The exam is open book and allows two attempts. Submission is due mid-January.

If you’re looking to receive free tax prep services, please visit NYC.gov/tax-prep.

A woman sits at a table holding a pencil, speaking to another woman whose back is facing the camera

Worried about certification?

Certification is an important step, but you don’t have to tackle it alone. Our Certification Events bring volunteers together in one place to complete their exam in a supportive, shared environment because sometimes a little tax-togetherness can make test day feel a whole lot less taxing.

Stay tuned for a link to register! 

Want to Study on Your Own?

Use these resources to build your knowledge, practice your skills, and get familiar with the tools used by Tax Prep volunteers.

The IRS updates its VITA training and certification materials each tax season. We’ll update these links with the latest materials as they’re released.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What happens if someone doesn’t get a refund?

While many taxpayers who file with VITA are eligible for a refund, some are not, or may owe money. Not getting a refund isn't always a bad thing! It can sometimes mean that a taxpayer has accurate withholdings, meaning more money stayed in their paycheck throughout the tax year. If a taxpayer isn't happy with their refund, VITA volunteers or Tax Site supervisors can advise them on updating their withholdings via their W-4 or share other strategies to ensure there are no surprises next year.  
 

What if I file something wrong? Am I legally liable?

VITA volunteers are not liable for inaccuracies in filing. VITA ensures that all filings go through a Quality Review stage, typically completed by Tax Site Supervisors or Advanced Volunteers, although this can vary by partner site. 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, November to December, 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, along with our online training:

  • 2025 Volunteer Standards of Conduct Training (10 questions)
  • 2025 Intake/Interview and Quality Review Training (10 questions)

If you are interested in serving as an interpreter, please email us at info@newyorkcares.org