The Boston Tax Help Coalition is seeking volunteers for the 2024 Tax Season. If you are interested in our volunteering, sign up here!

Volunteer Financial Guides

Volunteer Financial Guides help low-income Boston Area residents assess their current financial situation and make plans for a prosperous future!

The Volunteer Financial Guide provides a vital tax intake experience for taxpayers by providing screening for tax preparation, tax prep eligibility, as well as interpreting and advising the client on their credit report. Volunteer Financial Guides support the client by referring services, and encouraging clients to opt-in to tax-time savings options. Financial Guides provide an essential service in advising clients on their financial choices.

Guides will have the opportunity to participate in the IRS training and take the IRS Certification test to participate in the volunteer program.

Financial Guides are placed at a tax site at the discretion of the Coalition Asset Building Program Coordinator, while keeping in mind the preference of the Guide as well.

With a commitment of 4 hours per week, or 20–30 hours across the entire tax season, Guides are positioned to make an incredible impact in client’s financial lives.

Volunteer Tax Preparers

• Prior tax experience is not necessary. We will train! Tax Preparer volunteers prepare and file taxes with eligible taxpayers using IRS TaxWise software. Volunteers are encouraged to serve at any site (or combination of sites) as they wish. Volunteers may choose in-person and/or virtual volunteering.
  • In-person volunteering: Volunteers will physically go to the tax site, and prepare tax returns. At some sites, volunteers will provide face to face service with clients, while at other sites taxpayers will drop-off their tax documents and volunteers will prepare the taxpayer’s return once they leave.
    Virtual volunteering: Volunteers can prepare tax returns remotely. Volunteers must have a computer and access to WiFi.
• Commitment: Volunteers are respectfully requested to volunteer at their selected tax site at least 4 hours per week, or for a total of 30 hours of service throughout the tax season.
• Training: All new volunteers are required to take remote training via video conferencing. The training focuses on tax law, the correct usage of reference materials, software training, tax return practice, and the IRS certification exam. All Volunteers (new and returning) must pass the IRS Basic Tax Preparation certification exam to volunteer at a tax site. Please review the training requirements.

For questions about volunteering, please see the Volunteer FAQs or email BTHCVolunteers@Boston.gov.