Join the Tax Prep Team!

United Way of Greater Mercer County is seeking volunteers to join the tax prep team. The program provides families and individuals making less than $65,000/year with FREE tax return preparation. Be a part of this vital resource to increase financial security for struggling families in Mercer County and play a key role in putting money back into the hands of those who need it most!

Benefits to the Community

Last year's volunteers prepared over 2,200 free tax returns and provided total refunds of $2.3 million including Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC) to working individuals and families as well as those who are 60 years of age and older in our community.

The average adjusted gross income of working individuals and families we serve is $32,000/year. Rising costs of food, housing, and essentials leave families struggling to make ends meet. The savings from tax preparation fees and refunds received are used for basic needs like:

• food
• housing
• healthcare
• childcare 
• transportation to their place of employment 
• and much more!

Filing a tax return is essential for many individuals and families, as it provides the necessary documentation to access important services such as school meals, health coverage, housing, college scholarships, and more. For many in our community, a completed tax return is a key step toward financial security and opportunity.

Benefits of volunteering

• No prior tax experience is required
• Impact your community 
• Gain practical experience 
• Become IRS Certified 
• Flexible volunteer hours (3-4 hour blocks), including evenings and Saturdays, to fit your schedule
• Resume builder 
• Grow your network
• Hands on experience in customer service, collaboration, management and attention to detail
• College students can earn academic credit 
• Tax professionals can earn Continuing Education Credits

Various volunteer roles available

• Tax Preparer: train & certify to prepare tax returns
• Greeter: greet individuals and help fill out intake forms (will not prepare tax returns)
• Site Coordinator: review tax returns and manage tax site (will prepare tax returns only if tax certified)
• Translator: translate for Spanish-speaking clients

**Must be at least 16 years old to volunteer** 

Interested in becoming a tax volunteer?

Volunteers are needed from February 1-April 15, 2026. Free IRS training begins in the Fall of 2025 and test certification is required by January 15, 2026. Tax sites are located throughout Mercer County (exact locations TBD). If you are interested in volunteering, fill out the Volunteer Interest Form below.

Help us spread the word! Download the flyer. 

For questions please contact Bill Bright at taxcoordinator@uwgmc.org