This tax season, Ladder Up is thrilled to open 12 in-person sites across Chicagoland. Your dedication as a volunteer makes this possible—because of you, more clients are served every year. Let’s keep building on that impact together in 2026!
Together, we’ve put $1.42 billion back into our clients’ pockets.
2025 TAX SEASON VOLUNTEER ROLES
Site Support
Welcomes clients, reviews paperwork, and distributes intake forms.
Prerequisites
- Volunteer Standards of Conduct Test (10 questions)
- Case Review Training (optional – recommended)
Case Reviewer
Interviews clients, checks eligibility, and assists with forms and documents.
Prerequisites
- Case Review Training – Required for new volunteers
- Volunteer Standards of Conduct Test (10-questions)
- Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test (10-questions)
Tax Preparer
Prepares Federal and Illinois returns with tax software.
Prerequisites
- Volunteer Standards of Conduct Test (VSC)
- Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test (IIQR)
- IRS Basic/Advanced Tax Certification
Quality Reviewer
Reviews returns for accuracy, confirms with clients, and finalizes for e-file or paper filing.
Prerequisites
- Volunteer Standards of Conduct Test (VSC)
- Intake/Interview & Quality Review Test (IIQR)
- IRS Basic/Advanced Tax Certification
TRANSLATOR
Helps non-English-speaking clients by translating documents and supporting communication with preparers.
Prerequisites
- Volunteer Standards of Conduct Test (10 questions)
- Case Review Training (optional – recommended)
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 is self-paced online. All volunteers must complete the Volunteer Standards of Conduct quiz, Intake/Interview and Quality Review quizzes, and a Tax Certification Exam (basic or advanced) via the IRS Link & Learn program.
Training registration opens in December on VolunteerHub. More details will be shared in the Ladder Update newsletter!
This tax season, training is offered in three formats:
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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!