Description
The VITA Intern will assist IRC Tax Specialists in providing volunteer and client support to refugees, immigrants, and low-income individuals and help coordinate the day-to-day administration of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
Responsibilities:
- Support VITA site operations throughout the tax season period (January - April 2026)
- Assist VITA volunteers including greeters, tax preparers, and quality reviewers
- Schedule tax appointments and provide high-quality customer service to clients
- Participate in Site Coordinator Training and complete IRS Link & Learn tax training at the Advanced level
- Conduct quality reviews and electronically file tax returns in compliance with IRS and VITA procedures
- Coordinate and participate in marketing and outreach initiatives for the IRC VITA program
- Ensure compliance with IRS and VITA program policies and procedures
- Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to support volunteer recruitment, engagement, retention, and program administration
- Maintain accurate volunteer records, generate volunteer participation and program reports, and oversee volunteer data management using the Golden Volunteer Management Platform
- Ensure timely and accurate tracking of volunteer hours, activities, communications, and program compliance requirements
- Perform other duties as assigned in support of the IRC mission and objectives
Learning Objectives:
- Cultivate intercultural communication skills and competency for effective interaction in diverse settings
- Gain customer service skills, tax law knowledge, networking opportunities, and professional training
- Develop an understanding of barriers affecting refugee, immigrant, and low-income communities and identify strategies to address those barriers
Requirements:
- Undergraduate degree in finance, accounting, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Excellent customer service and organizational skills
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work in multicultural environments
- Commitment to economic empowerment of underserved populations
- Excellent written and verbal English communication skills
Working Environment: The VITA site operates Monday through Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Interns are expected to support the program 15 to 20 hours per week within operating hours.