VOLUNTEER NON-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 ensure the customer has the necessary information required to complete his/her return. The screener can check the returns to make sure that the Site Identification Number is entered correctly in the Paid Preparer's Section of the tax form.
Tasks:
- Develop a log or check sheet to sign in customers
needing assistance.
- Greet all taxpayers visiting the site to create a
pleasant atmosphere.
- Perform free screening process of all taxpayers.
- Survey taxpayers 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 customer has brought the necessary
information (e.g. W-2, 1099s, last year's return) from which a tax return
can be completed.
- Sign in taxpayer
- Monitor site traffic to ensure that sufficient time is
allowed for all taxpayers being checked in at the site to receive
assistance.
- Refer taxpayers with complex returns to the IRS website
or toll-free number, or to a tax practitioner or firm. However, volunteers
should never refer customers to a specific practitioner or firm.
- Maintain confidentiality of customer information.
- Provide general assistance to taxpayers.
- 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:
- 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.
