FAQ for Tax-Prep Volunteers

Follow this link: https://givepul.se/vz2e0u to express interest in volunteering.

Volunteers will receive reference material and learn to apply frequently used tax law, as well as learn to prepare returns using tax software. They will set up a password to training software that they can access after class for further practice if desired. In addition, they will have access to videos to watch for further review, and reference materials to keep and review.

Volunteers need to complete an open-book IRS certification before volunteering. The training classes offered cover all material needed for the certification; at the end of class, volunteers will be ready to complete their tests. Additional one-on-one help is available for remaining questions about the certification process, if needed.

The passing score for each Certification is 80 or higher. Volunteers who did not pass on the first try may take a retake test, but only once. Contact United Way before beginning the retake to make sure that you understand the correct answers to the questions you missed.

Although training is held at UAB and Samford, all tax-preparation appointments are held at United Way of Central Alabama.

3600 8th Avenue South in the Avondale/Forest Park neighborhood. From St. Vincent’s Hospital, follow University Boulevard east about eight blocks. The street name will change to Clairmont Avenue. Watch for the Piggly Wiggly on the left at 34th Street South. After the Piggly Wiggly, go one more block past Park 35 Apartments, and turn left at 36th Street South. UWCA is one block ahead at the top of the hill. Turn right and then turn left into the parking lot on the back side of building, past auditorium. Enter at the Community Services entrance and sign in to get your volunteer badge and name tag.

Most appointments for clients allow them to complete a drop-off interview one week, then return the next week to sign and pick up the completed return. Volunteers can help with the drop-off and pick-up meetings.

Volunteers also have the option to prepare returns that have already been dropped off; many new volunteers like to do this as a way to get familiar with the process without worry that they are keeping a client waiting.

Wednesday appointments are reserved for clients who need to have their return prepared in one trip.

On Thursday evenings and Fridays, no appointments are scheduled. Volunteers prepare returns that were received earlier in the week. It is a great time to volunteer and get familiar with the process — with extra support available.

United Way Site Coordinators are always on hand to respond to your questions. In addition, tabbed reference guides are available at each workstation to assist you with your questions.

In training, we teach that every return must go through a second check, called a Quality Review, before it is signed by the client. Ask questions as you have them, and if there are any issues that you think need close attention, attach a note to the return for the reviewer. This process allows an opportunity for mistakes to be identified and corrected prior to meeting with the client.

What is my liability as a volunteer?

The Volunteer Protection Act generally protects unpaid volunteers from liability for acts or omissions that occur while acting within the scope of their responsibilities at the time of the act or omission.  It provides no protection for harm caused by willful or criminal misconduct, gross negligence, reckless misconduct, or conscious, flagrant indifference to the rights or safety of the individual harmed by the volunteer.

UWCA – 3600 8th Ave South, Community Services entrance Monday through Friday

Monday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Drop-off and pick-up appointments

Tuesday: 8 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. — Drop-off and pick-up appointments (extended hours begin 1/28)

Wednesday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — One-trip appointments

Thursday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. — Drop-off and pick-up appointments

Thursday: 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. — Work on returns already received (extended hours on Thursdays begin 1/23)

Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m — Work on returns already received

Use UWCA Auditorium entrance (under awning) on Saturday only

Saturday: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Drop-off and pick-up appointments on the following dates only for 2019: 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 2/29 and 3/7 (not open on 2/22)

Once you complete your IRS Volunteer Certification and submit to United Way by emailing the Volunteer Agreement to TaxVol@uwca.org, you will receive a message with a link to sign up for volunteer shifts.  Please update your schedule as necessary if your availability changes.

Park at UWCA in the general area of the Community Services entrance. Please leave the spaces closest to the building for our clients, many of whom are elderly or have mobility issues. If the parking lot near the Community Services entrance is full, you can park near the Auditorium entrance or in front of the building at the main entrance, if necessary. It is also permissible to parallel park on the street.

UWCA is business casual, meaning khakis or slacks with a collared shirt are always appropriate. No shorts, please. Although UWCA staff can wear  jeans on Fridays only, volunteers may wear neat jeans during the week.

We have a breakroom with refrigerators and a microwave just outside the tax-prep area, if you would like to bring lunch or a snack. There is coffee, ice and a filtered water dispenser. To reduce the chance of spills at your work space, you may want to bring a mug or water bottle with a lid. There are no vending machines on this floor, so if you prefer soft drinks, bring them with you.

There will usually be a receptionist at the Community Services entrance to greet you when you volunteer, except on Thursday after 5 p.m. At that time, please call (205) 458-2088, and someone will come meet you at the entrance.

First of all – Be safe!  Conditions may vary by neighborhood. Please do not travel if you do not think your route is safe.  If you will not be able to come you can cancel the shift through INVOLVE, or send us a message at TaxVol@uwca.org.

If our operating hours are adjusted, we will email volunteers that are registered for that shift with updates about the changes.

If a storm warning occurs while volunteering at United Way, you will be directed to a place of safety downstairs below our Auditorium until the warning concludes.