Volunteers

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Use your comfort with numbers to change lives. Both theirs and yours.

As a volunteer, you have a unique opportunity to serve members of underserved communities in Detroit and southeast Michigan by coaching them toward financial security. Your time and unique talents with numbers can make a permanent, positive impact in the lives of local people. You can witness the newfound assurance of our clients as they gain financial stability. Best of all, the clients you work with are members of your neighborhood. Volunteering with us helps you establish a meaningful connection by watching your efforts pay off first-hand. Both for our clients and yours as a volunteer.

Tax Preparer  

Join a volunteer team 600 strong.  As a volunteer tax preparer, you can ensure that our clients get the best return on their taxes. No need to be an accountant.  We arm you with 12 hours of tax law training and on-site expert support so that you can confidently complete accurate returns. With a minimum four-day commitment at one of our 22 locations, you can help return millions of dollars to members of our community.

 Tax Site Greeter 

If you’re not comfortable with taxes but still want to help taxpayers make the most of tax time, as a Tax Site Greeter, you welcome clients into our VITA sites and engage them in conversations about vital financial decisions. Greeters offer taxpayers options to save portions of their refunds, to open financial institution accounts and to enroll in ongoing educational opportunities. Training and tools are provided for your four-day commitment during the tax season.   

 Financial Coach 

Does coaching inspire you? Do you enjoy motivating others to achieve their life goals? Are you a born educator? We need these qualities in our Financial Coaches. In this 4 to 6 month volunteer engagement, you directly support clients to take financial steps that meet their goals to achieve financial independence.

 Workshop Facilitator 

Share your financial expertise with community members seeking knowledge to improve their financial position. The workshop facilitator is a flexible volunteer opportunity to facilitate workshops on specific financial topics. Our audiences vary from students to doctors to seniors and anyone in between.  

 Low Income Tax Clinic (LITC) 

If you are a CPA, attorney, or Enrolled Agent, you can help individuals who have disputes with the IRS settle their claims. Our clients need expertise and representation to make appeals, settle disputes, and untangle cases of identity fraud. You can be one of these critical subject matter experts.

To help those who may not be as privileged as I have been and to see that they are getting the best possible refund is an honor. I am truly grateful to have the opportunity to reach out to so many people in need of getting a reliable and fair tax return. (As a college student) Preparing taxes gives me the ability to grow as an accounting expert and learn real-world experience. This experience has tremendously humbled myself and helped me grow as a person.

Jack Woodberg

College accounting student and recipient of the 2015 Outstanding Student Volunteer Award

Volunteering with Accounting Aid Society has many benefits that may not be so obvious . . . We are able to help people and give back to our community, which in itself is wonderful. It’s actually fun to meet with people who are so appreciative of our time. Another is that we receive actual tax experience. And, since I’ve added this experience to my resume, I have many more companies interested in interviewing me. I have always liked volunteering for the feeling of giving unconditionally. That feeling cannot be bought by a paycheck or anything else.

Lisa Reyes

2017 Tax Volunteer

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What will I be doing?
Most volunteers help our clients file their tax returns. This is a basic service but an ongoing and desperate need. The assistance our volunteers provide as part of VITA has changed countless lives and resulted in demonstrable economic growth across Detroit and southeast Michigan. However, we are also looking for volunteers with specialized skills to help in our Low Income Taxpayer Clinics and to serve as financial coaches. If you believe your skillset, mindset, and heart are a match for these positions, let us know on your volunteer form.
Do I have to be an accountant or tax expert to volunteer?
No! We welcome volunteers from all walks of life, including college students, stay-at-home parents, and retirees. The only requirements are basic computer skills, a desire to help underserved families take control of their financial futures, and a willingness to complete tax training courses.
What is the training like?
You can take training at several locations in the tri-county area, including colleges. Both new and returning volunteers take training courses to learn more about tax issues, credits, and changes in the tax law. Training also includes a computer workshop so that new volunteers can learn how to use our tax preparation software. Returning volunteers use this training to become familiar with any software updates that have gone into effect since the previous tax season.
How much time am I expected to volunteer during the tax season?
Training volunteers is an investment for everyone. Because of this, we ask volunteers to pledge to work a minimum of 24 hours during the Januar­y–April tax season. However, our tax sites have a range of opening hours, making it easier to volunteer even if you have a busy schedule. Our tax sites are all open on Saturdays, while many are also open on weekdays and evenings.
Can I choose where to volunteer?
Yes, so long as it is at one of our designated locations. Our tax sites are in public spaces such as libraries, community centers, and human resource agencies. Volunteers can choose from any of our locations in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb and Livingston counties.
What is Financial Capability?
FINCAP stands for Financial Capability. The department works towards providing free financial services that empower Accounting Aid Society’s clients through education.
What volunteer opportunities are available through the Financial Capability department?
Volunteers are able to become tax greeters in our tax sites to inform clients of other financial resources offered in the community and offered by Accounting Aid Society. Financial Capability volunteers can also participate in the Financial Coaching program as facilitators of financial education workshops on budget, credit, and savings.
Who do I contact to get financial workshops at my organization?
Contact financialliteracy@accountingaidsociety.org
Lindsey Vaclav, Financial Capability Program Manager at lvaclav@accountingaidsociety.org

Our work is made possible thanks to volunteers from the following organizations 

Ally
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI
Citizen’s Bank
City of Detroit
Cohen & Co.
Comerica
DTE
Ernst & Young
FCA
Flagstar Bank
Ford
General Motors
Henry Ford Community College
Hewlett-Packard
MICPA
Macomb County Community College
Masco
Miller Canfield
Oakland Community College
Oakland University
Plante Moran
PwC
Quicken Loans/Rock Ventures
Rochester College
State Rep. Stephanie Chang
U of D Mercy
U of M – Beta Alpha Psi
WMU-Cooley
Walsh College
Wayne State

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