Why You Should Join VITA

The LoyolaVITA program provides no-cost tax assistance for those in the Baltimore community. Your job as a volunteer is to help prepare taxes for these residents. You are providing a service that has a direct positive correlation with the Baltimore community.

Who Can Join

Everyone is welcome to volunteer with VITA, including students and community members who want to help! Regardless of major or class year, all students are welcome to join. 

• Student Volunteer Information
• Professional Volunteer Information 

Student Volunteers

How to Join

Becoming a member of VITA is just three simple steps:

1. Fill out our interest form and then attend the VITA training in January on campus. There are different dates for if you are interested in being a basic preparer or advanced preparer.

2. Pass the certification exam within a week of training and send your certificate to loyolavita@loyola.edu.
3. Fill out a form for what days you prefer to work at the clinic.

What You Do Once Certified

Your services will vary depending on whether you are a basic or advanced preparer.

• Basic: We ask that you volunteer at least five times throughout the semester during our clinic hours (Tuesday and Thursday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to noon). While volunteering, you are gathering the client's documents and inputting them into the database to be reviewed. This includes their ID, SSN, W9s, and any other forms they might have.
• Advanced: We ask that you volunteer at least five times throughout the semester during our clinic hours (Tuesday and Thursday 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to noon). While volunteering, you will double check the basic preparer’s work, then print out the report and walk the client through their tax return. You will also be certified to handle more complex cases involving self-employment, itemized deductions, etc.

Click here to check out the VITA Volunteer Manual!

Scheduling & Absences

If you are unable to attend a scheduled shift:

1. Please first try to swap or offer your shift in Microsoft Shifts (see pages 3–4 of the Microsoft Shifts Tutorial located in the Volunteer Resources section for guidance).

2. If that is not possible, complete the VITA Scheduling Revision Form so we can update the schedule.
   
   • When submitting the form, volunteers must be sure to include clear and specific details about the date(s) you are unable to attend.

We’ll always do our best to accommodate everyone.

Interested in Volunteering with VITA?

Please complete the interest form below and our team will follow up with additional information.  

Complete the Interest Form

 

Professional Volunteers

We invite your firm to partner with Loyola VITA by encouraging members of your staff to assist with tax returns for just three sessions during the upcoming tax season. This unique opportunity allows your team to work with talented students and gain direct visibility for your firm within the Loyola accounting community! It is a win-win that balances professional development and recruitment with your firm’s busy season commitments.

How to Join: 

1. Complete required 8-hour training (CPE eligibile)
2. Pass the IRS certification exam before participating