Needs From: VolunteerCNY.org

The Program provides year-round, no-cost tax preparation in Syracuse and Onondaga County. The program’s tax preparers and trained volunteers ensure low-income clients receive the highest tax refund possible, earn maximum Earned Income and Child Tax Credits (EITC, CTC), and avoid predatory lenders and/or expensive tax preparation fees. In 2022, the program secured -on average- $2173 in tax returns for more than 1500 households whose average income was $25,000. Providing at times transformative financial opportunities for those who need it most, the program is nonetheless volunteer-driven. The more volunteers, the more clients served!

 

Interested in volunteering but have limited availability? Or maybe you're looking for a group volunteer opportunity? Once more, No Problem! We'll work with you or your group to develop a schedule that works for you!

 

DETAILED VOLUNTEER DESCRIPTIONS - To apply please click here!

Admin Assistant Volunteer
Admin Assistant Volunteers help clients organize and complete their paperwork. They also help with the flow of the site by assisting with completing necessary data entry work and other office duties. Helps with making phone calls to clients to answer their questions and set up appointments.

Interpreter Volunteer
Greets and assist clients who do not speak English as their primary language with paperwork. Answers logical questions and helps translate documents that are not available in their native language. They are the first members to greet the client entering the site. We are especially looking for an interpreter for clients who speak/read Spanish.

Greeter/Screener Volunteer
Greets clients and provides them with paperwork. Answers logical questions. They are the first members to greet the client entering the site.

Tax Preparer Volunteer
Prepare Federal and state tax returns, with easy-to-use software provided by the IRS.

This volunteer role is also available during and after the tax season since it is a year-round VITA site. Training and resource materials are provided. Tax Preparers are required to pass an online certification test provided by the IRS. There are two levels of tax preparers available, Basic and Advanced. For first-year volunteers and those without previous tax prep experience we suggest you train for the Basic Tax Preparer certification. For returning tax preparers and those with previous tax prep experience, please feel free to train for this certification.

Peace Inc. Big Brothers Big Sisters Advisory Council members shall:   - Attend monthly Council meetings (typically the 2nd Monday) in which BBBS business is discussed.  Meetings are 30 minutes in length and can be attended either in person or remotely (zoom).  Four meetings during the year take place at a local restaurant in which dinner is provided for all members.   - Ae actively involved in discussions during the meetings and provide feedback on all matters.   - Assist staff at special events (we prefer that members attend at least 4 of the approximately 7 events that we offer during the year).    - Provide information on any opportunities and events taking place in the community in which our bigs/littles may take advantage of.   - Provide information on any fund raising opportunities that BBBS may take advantage of.      - Generally support the program and staff in fulfilling our BBBS mission (Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth).