Irvine, CA (November 2, 2026) – Orange County United Way’s OC Free Tax Prep program is returning for the 2027 tax season and is seeking volunteer tax preparers to help Orange County residents take another step towards achieving financial stability. No prior experience is required to become an IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteer.
Established in 2005, the OC Free Tax Prep program is part of Orange County United Way’s United for Financial SecuritySM initiative to empower Orange County families to build stable, self-sufficient lives and break the cycle of poverty.
“The incredible support of volunteer tax preparers allows the OC Free Tax Prep program to assist more of our neighbors each year and in turn empower families, uplift communities, and turn tax season into a time of opportunity,” said Michelle Mai, Senior Program Manager, United for Financial Security initiative. “We appreciate the compassionate efforts of our volunteers and the positive, powerful impact they have on the financial stability of thousands of individuals and families across Orange County.”
All volunteers are required to complete and pass the online Volunteer Standards of Conduct training and certification requirements based on their role. Volunteer roles include:
- Greeter: Welcomes clients and ensures they have all the necessary identifications and documents
- Intake/Interviewer and Quality Review: This role reviews intake forms and tax documents to assign them to the appropriate preparer
- Tax Preparer: Prepares federal and state tax returns
- Quality Reviewer: Reviews prepared tax returns for accuracy
- Interpreter: Provides translation services
Online and in-person training sessions led by an IRS-certified instructor will be available in November and December 2026, and January 2027. All new and returning volunteers are required to complete the appropriate training and certification requirements. Volunteer hours are available during day, evening, and weekend shifts at locations all over Orange County. A full list of locations and volunteer hours will be announced later this year.
During the 2026 tax season, OC Free Tax Prep served 15,365 community members throughout Orange County, making a total local impact of $29.2 million. With the support of 695 volunteers from 18 partner organizations, a total of 25,355 hours were committed to providing tax preparation services and outreach to low- to moderate-income individuals, families, seniors, and those with limited English proficiency.
Many volunteers return annually and invite others to get involved, with one sharing, “I volunteer with OC Free Tax Prep because I want to make a difference in people’s lives. Helping someone navigate their taxes, save money, and feel less overwhelmed is a simple way to give back, but its impact goes far beyond tax season. Knowing that my time can bring relief, confidence, and hope to another person is what makes volunteering so meaningful to me.”
To learn more about becoming an OC Free Tax Prep volunteer and to track for the volunteer training locations, please visit: https://ocfreetaxprep.com/volunteer/ or email [email protected].
ABOUT ORANGE COUNTY UNITED WAY
Orange County United Way mobilizes our community to create brighter futures for all, today and for generations to come.
True to our founding spirit, whenever there is a need in our community, United Way is there. Through advocacy, collaboration, and innovative programming, our work is comprehensive and action-oriented, effectively addressing our county’s unique challenges.
From strengthening local resilience to expanding youth opportunity, financial stability, and access to stable housing, we’re working toward an Orange County where everyone has the support they need to reach their full potential.
To learn more, visit UnitedWayOC.org.
Orange County United Way is a stand-alone, independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
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Media Contact: Heidi Pallares, [email protected], (949) 285-7278
