Campaign for Working Families

"We get to play Santa for many of our clients at the tax site." 

– David S., Volunteer

No experience is necessary to volunteer at one of CWF's 11 free tax sites around the city and be a part of a tremendous effort that brings millions in refunds back to Philadelphia working families! Each year hundreds of volunteers join the CWF to provide free tax preparation, increase access to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and connect families with public benefits such as food stamps and utility assistance that bring more money into Philadelphia households year round.

Volunteering is Rewarding!

• High-impact and tangible: Volunteering once a week for the entire tax season can produce more than $60,000 in tax refunds!
• Opportunities for everyone (see below for descriptions): Volunteers can complete tax returns, help families apply for public benefits, greet customers and/or provide administrative support.
• Easy to schedule, short commitment: Donate 24 hours (roughly six shifts) between January and April at any of 11 tax sites on a regular schedule that you set.
• No Professional Experience Needed: All volunteers receive free training. Tax preparer volunteers receive IRS training and certification.

Volunteer Roles and Responsibilities

• Tax Preparer: Help connect working families with all the tax credits for which they are eligible, often adding up to thousands of dollars. Requires 8-15 hours of training (6-10 for returning volunteers). Click here for more details.
  • Work one-on-one with families, using intake forms and computer software to electronically file high quality tax returns and to keep money in our customers' pockets.
  • Cross-train in intake, screening, quality review and the closeout process.

• Resource Builder: Help families build resources for financial stability by linking them to public benefits, resources and financial opportunities. Requires 7 hours of training. Click here for more details.
  • Utilize computer software to determine eligibility for public benefits, including food stamps, utility assistance, educational funding and free or low cost health insurance.
  • Help families build assets by offering and opening fairly priced financial products and savings bonds.

• Greeter / Administrative Support: A strong greeter is essential for creating a welcoming and organized atmosphere at the tax sites. You will greet customers and compile all intake documents and assist site managers with administrative tasks. Requires 3 hours of training. Click here for more information.

• Internship Opportunities: Interns, focusing either on the Tax Preparer or Resource Builder roles as described above, take on various levels of additional responsibility at the tax site including customer service, quality review and administrative support. Interns must commit to a regular weekly schedule of 10-15 hours at the tax sites. Training requirements for Tax Preparer and Resource Builder interns are the same as those listed above. Click here for skills and training required.