BE A part of the
Connecticut Community
How you can help
SimplifyCT provides a safe, secure, and contactless way for low-income Connecticut families to access free tax preparation and qualify for state and Federal benefits.
To help our most vulnerable neighbors, we know that building a trusted relationship is the key to getting them started.
That’s where you come in!
We need bi-lingual / multi-lingual volunteers to help us, both in-person, right in your own community, as well as online.
How Does It Work?
Click here for detailed information on the different volunteer positions available.
You do NOT need prior tax preparation experience!
If you do have a financial background, that’s a plus, but it it is NOT required!
All we ask is that you have a willingness to help others and that you complete the necessary training before you begin directly helping our neighbors, family, and friends.
We provide all the training and training materials you need – at no cost to you!
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers are the backbone of our work.
You decide on the number of hours you’d like to volunteer, the days of the week, and we will match you up to either a nearby physical location or a virtual space, depending on your preference. We will provide all of your training – for free.
If you already volunteer or work with a local nonprofit, we will train you to be able to offer additional help right within your existing volunteer space! For more information on the different types of volunteers we need, please click on the buttons below.
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Client Success Advocate
You will work directly with people to help them gather the documents they need to either file a full tax return, or file a shorter non-filer tax form.
This role requires that you call, email, or text people, following up with them to help answer their questions and assist them to upload their documents into the tax preparation hub that we use.
Training:
- You’ll need to complete an online live webinar training session, as well as complete a set of self-directed online training modules.
- You’ll learn how to use the Get Your Refund online hub, as well as how to communicate with other volunteers and adminstrators through the Slack online app.
- At the end of your training, you’ll take an exam and sign an Ethics Agreement.
- Once your training is complete, you will work closely with a training mentor to assist and support you as you begin working directly with clients.
- You will then work directly with clients, one-on-one, and you’ll always have live support from tax preparers via our Slack communication channel.
Tax Preparer
You do NOT need professional tax prepration experience for this role. You’ll need only a willingness to learn and be trained in the IRS certification process.
You will work directly with people to help them file a full tax return, or file a shorter non-filer tax form. You may help people file additional State or Federal forms to enable them to receive benefits for which they qualify.
This role requires that you contact people directly to review their submitted tax documents, to prepare their tax return within our online hub, to follow our quality review process, and to present the return forms to the client. You will answer client questions and assist them to understand their return. Once their approval is recieved, you will electronically file their tax return.
Training:
- You’ll need to complete a series of online live webinar training sessions, as well as complete a set of self-directed online training modules certified by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
- You’ll learn how to use the Get Your Refund online hub, as well as how to communicate with other volunteers and adminstrators through the Slack online app.
- At the end of your training, you’ll take a certification exam and sign an Ethics Agreement.
- Once your training is complete and you’ve passed your exam, you will work closely with a training mentor to assist and support you as you begin working directly with clients.
- You will then work directly with clients, one-on-one, and you’ll always have live support from VITA administrators via our Slack communication channel.
Our Community Partners
We’re proud to work with many community organizations that help families of every kind in Connecticut.
Still Have Questions?
“It is my pleasure to advise you [on] my recent experience of having my taxes done remotely by [VITA]. From start to finish, VITA streamlines the process as if you are sitting in front of [them]. Their knowledge and expertise assures you the best possible return, and more importantly, you feel confident that it was done by a tax professional. I am extremely grateful for your tax service and especially grateful for these services.”
-Elaine in Lower Fairfield County, CT
“[They] have an expertise in making things very easy to understand and is a valuable asset to anyone that is to meet [them]. The process online was a great experience.”
-Laurie, Norwalk CT