Frequently Asked Questions

• Why Volunteer?

  Taxpayers who use our program save an estimated $250 in preparation fees per return. This is money that they can use for a car repair, to catch up an unexpected bill, or to stock their pantry with groceries. Thousands of individuals and families turn to United Way of Central Alabama each year seeking help filing their taxes.

• How Do I Register for Tax Prep Volunteer Training?

  Follow the link posted above on this page to express interest in volunteering and to register for training.

• What is Covered in the Training?

  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.

• Do I have to Complete a Certification to Volunteer?

  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.

  Once certified, email your Volunteer Agreement to taxvol@uwca.org, and you will receive instructions on signing up for your shift.

• What if I Do Not Pass My Certification Test?

  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.

• Where Do I Volunteer?

  Tax volunteers will work onsite at United Way of Central Alabama, in the Spain Community Chest Building, the same location where orientation and training sessions are located.

• Where is United Way of Central Alabama?

  We are located at 3600 8th Avenue South in Birmingham’s Avondale/Forest Park neighborhood.
  
  Directions

  1. 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.
  2. After the Piggly Wiggly, go one more block past Park 35 Apartments, and turn left at 36th Street South.
  3. The entrance to UWCA’s parking lot is one block ahead at the top of the hill. Once in the parking lot, follow the drive a little further up hill, and the Spain Community Chest Building will be on your left at top of the hill and has a sign over the entrance.

  When you arrive, check in with the receptionist to sign in and get your volunteer badge and name ta

• What do I do as a volunteer?

  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, or that were received online. Many new volunteers like to do this as a way to get familiar with the process before assisting clients in person.

  Greeter Volunteers assist arriving customers who may need help completing their intake paperwork and escort customers back to meet with the volunteer who will complete their interview.

• What if I have questions while volunteering?

  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.

• What if I make a mistake?

  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.

• What’s the schedule?

  Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• How do I sign up for volunteer shifts?

  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.

• Where do I park?

  Park at UWCA near the Spain Community Chest Center entrance, except in the spaces marked “Client Parking.” There are spaces at the front, as well as around the corner on the west side of the building, or to the east on the side of the Alice Williams Building.

• What’s the dress code?

  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.

• Is there a break room?

  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 workspace, you may want to bring a mug or water bottle with a lid.

• Where do I check in?

  There will be a receptionist at the Spain Community Chest Center entrance to greet you when you volunteer.  Sign in with the Volunteer log and pick up a volunteer badge and name tag.  Please return your volunteer badge as you leave each day.

• What happens if there is bad weather?

  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.