Training
Volunteer training is designed to make our opportunities accessible for all volunteers regardless of experience. Sign up for courses during volunteer registration, or log in to update your schedule.
Since space is limited, we do not publish dates and locations of classroom trainings on our website. Class details are available during volunteer registration.
New Tax Preparer
Training covers tax law, TaxWise software and CEP tax site procedures. Dates and locations for classroom sessions are listed in the volunteer registration system. Required courses include:
| Course | Length | Format | Course Availability |
| Basic Tax Preparation 1 | 1.5 hours | Online | November to January |
| Basic Tax Preparation 2 | 1.5 hours | Online | November to January |
| Basic Tax Preparation 3 | 3 hours | Classroom | January |
| Basic Tax Preparation 4 | 3 hours | Classroom | January |
| Basic Certification Test | 1-3 hours | Online or Classroom | January |
| Standards of Conduct | 1 hour | Online | January |
| Total | 11-13 hours |
Returning Tax Preparer
Volunteers with tax preparation experience at CEP sites are offered an abbreviated training program that covers tax law changes. Required courses include:
| Course | Length | Format | Course Availability |
| What's New? | 1 hour | Online | November to January |
| Basic Certification Test | 1-3 hours | Online or Classroom | January |
| Standards of Conduct | 1 hour | Online | January |
| Total | 3-5 hours |
A number of optional courses are offered for enrichment. Volunteers are encouraged to take optional courses to develop new skills:
- Quality Review: Reduce the biggest on-site bottleneck by learning to review tax returns
- FAFSA Preparation: Complete financial aid applications in conjunction with taxes
Tax Site Assistant
A 3-hour classroom training is offered in Chicago during January. Volunteers unable to attend a classroom session receive on-site training from a site manager or experienced volunteer.
FAFSA On-the-Go
New volunteers complete a 3-hour online training in January and attend a short conference call or classroom training to supplement online learning.
Office Volunteer
Volunteers receive one-on-one training from the staff member supervising their project.
Tax Representative
The tax clinic manager orients tax representatives and provides ongoing support as needed.