VOLUNTEER CERTIFIED SCREENER
Roles:
Provide support to the Volunteer Tax Assistors who volunteer at a Volunteer Return Preparation site. Performs free screening for all taxpayers that are requesting assistance at the site to identify what type of return and tax schedules each customer will need assistance with and to ensure the taxpayer has the necessary information required to complete his/her return. The screener must be certified at the appropriate levels for providing assistance (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced, Military, etc.), if they will assist taxpayers with any tax law topics. This screener can also determine the certification levels required for preparing each tax return based on the taxpayers income level and all supporting documents. The screener can also check the returns to make sure that the Site Identification Number is entered correctly in the Paid Preparer's Section of the tax form.
- Develop a log or check sheet to sign in customers
needing assistance.
- Greet all taxpayers visiting the site to create a
pleasant atmosphere.
- If certified, assist taxpayers with tax law questions.
- Perform free screening process of all taxpayers.
- Survey customers to determine the type of assistance
they will be needing and the tax forms that will be required to complete
their tax return.
- Ensure the taxpayer has brought the necessary
information (e.g. W-2, 1099s, last year's return) from which a tax return
can be completed.
- Complete taxpayer information sheet for Volunteer
Preparer's reference.
- If certified, sign in taxpayer and indicate the level of
complexity based on the taxpayers income level and/or supporting documents.
- Monitor site traffic to ensure that sufficient time is
allowed for all taxpayers being checked in at the site to receive
assistance.
- Refer customers with complex returns to a tax
practitioner. However, volunteers should never refer customers to a specific
practitioner or firm.
- Maintain confidentiality of customer information.
- Provide general assistance to site patrons.
- Assist Volunteer Tax Assistors as needed.
- Adhere to Title VI by not denying service to anyone
based on race, color, sex, age, national origin or disability.
Skills:
- If applicable, certified at the appropriate tax law
levels for providing assistance (Form 1040, Form 1040A and Form 1040EZ). Tax
training and certification will be provided as needed.
- Willingness to share time, skills, and interest-e.g.,
volunteer a minimum of 2 to 4 hours per week on the Volunteer Tax Program
from approximately Mid-January through April 15.
- Ability to deal with the public in a helpful and
supportive manner.
- Pride in performing tasks completely and accurately.
- Friendly, dependable and flexible.
