About
In preparation of the upcoming tax season, we are hosting New Tax Volunteer Information Sessions for all prospective volunteers:
- October 1, 2026, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
- October 21, 2026, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Attending a session is a great way to learn more about the program, ask questions, and understand the opportunities available. Click to register here.
** Register here to receive an email with the link to access our recorded training session, and to get updates regarding tax volunteering! **
Important: Click "Show more" below to view detailed instructions on how to pick up or access your training materials, as well as other important information to help before, during, and after training.
About the Recorded Training
Our recorded training will guide you through the IRS Volunteer Certification required to serve with United Way of Central Alabama's tax program, where you'll help community members file their tax returns for free.
This training is ideal for anyone who:
- Cannot attend an in-person session
- Wants to review material at their own pace
- Would like an additional resource for test preparation
Technical Requirement: You WILL NEED a large or dual-screen setup to view the training video and enter tax problems at the same time. Two separate devices (e.g., two laptops; computer & phone; computer & tablet) could work as well.
If you prefer to attend an in-person training, click here to register: (in-person training has concluded)
Once certified, you'll be able to volunteer at our tax site and choose the days and times that best fit your schedule (8:30am-4:30pm, Monday-Friday).
All tax volunteers will have on-site tax specialists for questions and guidance.
Training Materials
It is recommended to have the training materials available to follow along with the recorded session. These materials are available to be picked at United Way's Spain Community Chest building (3600 8th Avenue South, Birmingham, AL, 35222).
If it is not convenient to pick up a package. It can all be downloaded from the "Documents" tab at the top of this page.
Recorded Session
After registering, you should receive an email to your email address with access to the recorded session. If not, please contact us at taxvol@uwca.org for assistance.
The recorded session will cover the entirety of the Advanced Scenarios found in Form 6744. Study supplements for the two smaller exams can be found in the "United Way Volunteer Tax Training (VITA)" document.
Certification
The certification exams are taken on the Link and Learn Certification website. See the attached document "Link and Learn Quick Start Guide" to guide you in creating an account and accessing the IRS website to be certified.
The exams are also open book and open notes, with a passing score of 80% or higher. Please keep your notes from training to refer to as you take the test and have your answers on hand before entering the website. You will have TWO chances to pass each exam. If you don't pass the first time, please reach out to taxvol@uwca.org to help review your answers before moving onto the next attempt.
Final Steps
Once certification have been passed: complete, sign, download, and send the Form 13615 Volunteer Agreement to taxvol@uwca.org as an attachment. We will then follow up with another email that includes a link to complete a background check. Once we receive the confirmation that the background check has cleared, we will shortly follow up with another email that will include a link to begin scheduling times to volunteer!
We look forward to having you volunteer with us this season!
Questions? Email us at taxvol@uwca.org.
Complete annual open book IRS Certification.
Link to complete a background check will be provided after you send your completed certifications to taxvol@uwca.org.