Volunteer with EKS
At this time our tax preparer trainings have ended and our tax sites are opening their doors. However, there are still opportunities to volunteer. If you would like more information, please contact the coordinator in the county you wish to volunteer in. Contact information is listed at the bottom of this page.
Volunteer
Volunteer
Earn It! Keep It! Save It! Bay Area provides free tax preparation to low- to moderate-income individuals, families, and seniors. Tax returns are prepared by trained and IRS certified volunteers at local community organizations.
Last year, more than 3,600 volunteers helped to prepare almost 60,000 tax returns and returned $63 million in total refunds to local residents. This money was returned to the pockets of Bay Area residents and put back into the local economy. We need your help to reach even more families in 2012!
Join our exciting coalition of volunteers – we will provide training and link you to a local site to assist low-income families and seniors in your community. We have over 200 sites throughout seven counties in the Bay Area (Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, Solano, San Francisco and San Mateo).
Volunteer Requirements
• All of our tax preparers and screeners must be trained and certified by the IRS. Training class schedules vary by county and begin in December and/or January. On average, three to four days of classroom instruction is offered. For tax professionals or experienced volunteers, an online training and certification tool is available in November.
• Site operation hours vary by site but each volunteer is asked to commit to volunteer regularly (at least a 4 hour shift per week), beginning late January through April 15th.
• All of our volunteers need to be comfortable working with a computer.
Volunteer Positions
Tax Preparer: Tax preparers assist taxpayers with their tax returns during the tax season. Volunteers will complete a training course and become IRS certified to prepare taxes. Bilingual tax preparers are always in high demand.
Screener: Screeners are responsible for assisting clients with the intake form and ensuring taxpayers have the correct tax documents and identification. This is a critical role as it is the initial point at which important tax return information is gathered and verified.
Interpreter: Interpreters aid taxpayers by working alongside the tax clients and tax preparers. Spanish speaking Volunteers are always needed. Training is provided by each tax site.
Greeter: Greeters welcome tax filers to the tax site during the tax season, and may also inform taxpayers about other available community resources. Training is provided by each tax site.
Outreach Ambassador: Spread the word about free tax help by distributing flyers in the community.
Outreach Ambassador Captain: Lead a team of volunteers distributing flyers in the community.
Interested in volunteering or learning more? Sign up online or you can call the following volunteer coordinators for specific questions:
Alameda County - Vanessa Muniz 510.238.2424
Contra Costa County - Vanessa Muniz 510.238.2424
Marin County - Ramona Smith 415.526.7534
Napa County - Vanessa Muniz 510.238.2424
San Francisco and San Mateo Counties - Minnie Sage 415.963.5133
Solano County - Rhonda Smith 707.421.7229 ext. 109