Volunteer Rules of Conduct

Be professional

Treat all taxpayers with courtesy and respect
Be considerate to clients, VITA officers, and other volunteers
Keep the noise down
Arrive to the site on time for your allocated shift

Safeguard client's privacy

Do not keep any forms, worksheets, notes, or other documents
Do not discuss client situations with anyone who does not have a need to know
When discussing client situations, do not mention any names or other identifying information

Maintain integrity and strive for quality

Apply tax laws accurately to the best of your ability
Do not prepare any returns out of the scope of your training
Do not prepare a return if you suspect a client is hiding something
Use any and all reference materials (especially Form 1040 instructions)
Consult your site manager or a more experienced volunteer if needed
Make sure every return gets quality reviewed by a site/shift manager

Educate the client

Introduce the client to the program, explain its goals, and procedures
Promote tax understanding and awareness
Explain which credits or deductions the client is eligible for
Define any terms and walk the clients through their returns
Allow clients to ask questions or raise concerns
Educate the client about recordkeeping requirements
Instruct clients where they can find more information

Do not solicit any business

Do not accept any payments
Do not advertise any specific paid services or firms

Keep VITA sites neat & clean

Safeguard VITA's property and supplies
Respect the premises and organizations who decided to sponsor a VITA site

Sponsors

Affiliates

Circular 230 Notice. This website and its materials contain statements concerning taxation. Those statements are provided for information purposes only, are not intended to constitute tax advice which may be relied upon to avoid penalties under any federal, state, local or other tax statutes or regulations, and do not resolve any tax issues in your favor. We cannot provide you with tax advice.

Copyright © 2006-2013. Baruch VITA.
Baruch VITA is a non-profit student organization at Baruch College. See disclaimers.