Make a difference for individuals and families-in-need

gen next 310The Illinois CPA Society's CPAs for the Public Interest and Ladder Up have partnered to recruit volunteer tax preparers to assist low-income individuals and families throughout Illinois with preparing and filing their federal and state tax returns. Other volunteer positions, like Drop Off Specialists and Exit Interviewers, may also be available.

Ladder Up provides the requisite training and facilitates the volunteer opportunities to best meet the needs of taxpayers.

Help others and give back by registering with Ladder Up today! Please note that you are an Illinois CPA Society volunteer when registering.

Sign up right here


How It Works

  • Get involved: Volunteers can create an account with Ladder Up and register for alerts now. Volunteer recruiting and training will take place with Ladder Up from November through January.
  • Get trained: All training can be completed online, at your own pace, through Ladder Up's resources. All volunteers are required to complete a Volunteer Standards of Conduct quiz, Intake/Interview, and Quality Review quiz, and a Tax Certification Exam (Drop-Off Specialists must be at least basic-level certified, Exit Interviewers must be advanced-level certified). These tests can all be completed through the IRS Link & Learn program. Volunteers will also complete Ladder Up-specific modules regarding our site process. These modules will be completed through Ladder Up’s Online Learning Management System, Absorb. 
  • Get CPE: CPAs can earn Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for completing the IRS' VITA/TCE training courses required for volunteering with Ladder Up.
  • Get going: Volunteers can learn more about Ladder Up's program here. Volunteer shifts are available Monday-Saturday.

This volunteer program is organized by CPAs for the Public Interest, the community service arm of the Illinois CPA Society, which links financial management professionals with not-for-profit organizations and community service projects in Illinois.

By participating in an Illinois CPA Society public service volunteer program, you agree to the following terms: The Illinois CPA Society does not accept any responsibility for the skills or expertise asserted by volunteers. The Illinois CPA Society reserves the right to reassign or terminate a volunteer’s participation at its discretion. Some public service volunteer opportunities require volunteers to exhibit specific skills to participate competently. You are expected to evaluate your ability to complete the objectives of each volunteer opportunity and to withdraw or seek technical assistance if your skill sets do not match the needs of the program or specific task.
 

Contact

Questions, comments, and feedback

Derrick Lilly
Asst. Director Communications & Publications | 312.517.7614