Ladder Up is excited to open 12 in-person tax sites throughout the Chicagoland area for the 2025 tax season. We are also working hard to offer pop-up sites in hard-to-reach areas to make our programs more accessible and serve more clients. You, as a volunteer are a reason why so many are served - let's keep the momentum going this upcoming tax season!
We’ve helped put $1.42 billion back in the pockets of those who need it most.
2025 TAX SEASON VOLUNTEER ROLES
Site Support
Greets clients, does a quick intake overview of the client paperwork, and provides clients with intake forms.
Prerequisites
- IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct Test (VSC)
- IRS Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test (IIQR)
- Intake training
Case Reviewer
Meets with clients to conduct intake interviews to ensure service eligibility and helps clients organize documents and complete intake forms.
Prerequisites
- IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct Test (VSC)
- IRS Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test (IIQR)
- Intake training
Tax Preparer
Works one-on-one with clients to complete Federal and Illinois returns using professional tax software.
Prerequisites
- IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct Test (VSC)
- IRS Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test (IIQR)
- IRS Basic/Advanced Tax Certification
Quality Reviewer
Checks prepared returns for errors, reviews returns with clients, and prepares clients for e-file or paper filing.
Prerequisites
- IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct Test (VSC)
- IRS Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test (IIQR)
- IRS Basic/Advanced Tax Certification
TRANSLATOR
Assists non-English-speaking clients by translating tax documents and facilitating communication between clients and tax preparers to ensure accurate tax filing.
Prerequisites
- IRS Volunteer Standards of Conduct Test (VSC)
- IRS Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test (IIQR)
- Case Review Training strongly encouraged
Getting Started & Training
Training for the 2025 tax season is coming this winter!
Here are a few things you can do to get ready for the upcoming tax season:
- Create an account in VolunteerHub
- Sign up for our Volunteer newsletter – we will update you on all future training and volunteer opportunities.
- Once training opens (mid-December), sign up for virtual or in-person training.
If you have any questions please email volunteer@goladderup.org.
Stay Connected to Ladder Up
- Volunteer opportunities and Site Information
- Event updates
- Volunteer appreciation shout-outs, and so much more!
FAQ
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Do I need a tax or finance background to volunteer?
No tax preparation experience is necessary to get involved. All tax and software training is provided.
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What training do I need to complete? Can I complete it online or in-person?
Some training can be completed online, at your own pace. All volunteers are required to complete a Volunteer Standards of Conduct quiz, Intake/Interview, and Quality Review quiz, and a Tax Certification Exam (basic-level or advanced-level certified). These tests can all be completed through the IRS Link & Learn program.
Training registration will open in December in VolunteerHub. We will send out more information about how to complete training in our Ladder Update newsletter!
Training is available in three formats this tax season:
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Am I liable if I make a mistake on someone’s tax return?
All volunteers who have complied with the following program policies are not liable for mistakes on a client’s return:
- Complete the mandatory IRS prerequisites for the current filing season
- Successfully pass the IRS certification exam required for your volunteer role for the current filing season
- Prepare or review returns only within the scope of your certification level
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Who can I contact if I have more questions?
Please scroll down to the bottom of this page to complete the Contact Us section and select “TAP Volunteering” from the dropdown menu. Or reach out to us at volunteer@goladderup.org or 312-409-1555 ext. 6
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When are volunteer shifts available?
Volunteer shifts are available Monday-Saturday. Our tax season begins late January and runs through April 15, 2025.
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Where are your tax sites located?
Visit our locations page to find a tax site near you!