IRS Publication 5571 – In today’s community-driven world, volunteering for tax preparation programs like Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) can make a significant impact. If you’re a partner organization looking to expand your team, IRS Publication 5571 offers essential guidance on recruiting volunteers efficiently via the IRS.gov Volunteer Portal. This article breaks down everything you need to know, from the basics of the publication to practical steps for recruitment, ensuring you can build a strong volunteer base for the upcoming tax season.
What Is IRS Publication 5571?
IRS Publication 5571, titled “Recruiting Volunteers through the IRS.gov Volunteer Portal for VITA/TCE Partners,” is a comprehensive guide designed to help partner organizations in the VITA and TCE programs attract and onboard volunteers. Revised in October 2025, this document outlines the processes, benefits, and best practices for using the official IRS portal to streamline volunteer recruitment. It’s particularly useful for nonprofits, community groups, and other entities that host free tax preparation sites, emphasizing how the portal connects interested individuals with local opportunities.
The publication is available as a free PDF download from the IRS website, making it accessible for anyone involved in tax volunteer coordination. As of early 2026, it remains a key resource amid ongoing calls for more volunteers to support underserved communities during tax filing periods.
Overview of VITA and TCE Programs
Before diving into recruitment, it’s important to understand the programs themselves. The VITA program provides free tax help to people who generally make $66,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and limited English-speaking taxpayers. TCE, on the other hand, focuses on assisting those aged 60 and older with pension and retirement-related issues.
These IRS-sponsored initiatives rely heavily on certified volunteers who undergo free training to prepare accurate tax returns. In 2025, the IRS highlighted the need for more volunteers, noting flexible hours, virtual options, and nationwide site availability. By participating, volunteers not only help their communities but also gain valuable skills through IRS-provided certification courses like Link & Learn Taxes.
How the IRS.gov Volunteer Portal Works?
The IRS.gov Volunteer Portal is a user-friendly online platform where potential volunteers can sign up to join VITA or TCE programs. It’s integrated with the IRS’s broader volunteer recruitment efforts, allowing seamless registration and connection to local partners.
Key features include:
- Easy Sign-Up Form: Individuals submit their interest via a simple online form, specifying their location and preferences.
- Partner Matching: After sign-up, volunteers receive an email from an IRS Growth Territory Relationship Manager with a list of nearby partners accepting volunteers for the current season.
- Webinar Access: Optional Volunteer Orientation Webinars provide program overviews, with recordings available for 30 days post-event.
This portal simplifies the process, reducing administrative burdens for partners while ensuring a steady flow of motivated volunteers.
Step-by-Step Guide to Recruiting Volunteers
According to IRS Publication 5571, recruiting through the portal is straightforward. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Promote the Portal: Encourage potential volunteers to visit IRS.gov/volunteers and complete the VITA/TCE Volunteer and Partner Sign-Up Form. This can be done year-round, but peak recruitment occurs from October to January.
- Volunteer Registration: Upon submission, volunteers get an automated confirmation and, within about 14 days, a personalized email with partner contacts.
- Direct Contact: Volunteers reach out to listed partners via email or phone. Partners should respond promptly; if not, volunteers can try others.
- Background Checks and Onboarding: Partners handle vetting per their policies, followed by IRS training and certification.
- Follow-Up and Feedback: The IRS sends follow-up emails to volunteers to confirm connections and, post-season, surveys to assess experiences.
Partners can also request volunteer lists directly from their Relationship Manager to proactively fill spots.
Benefits of Recruiting Through the Portal
Utilizing the IRS.gov Volunteer Portal offers numerous advantages for VITA/TCE partners:
- Efficiency: Automates matching, saving time on manual outreach.
- Wider Reach: Attracts diverse volunteers nationwide, including those interested in virtual roles.
- Free Resources: Access to IRS training, webinars, and tools like the Practice Lab for certification.
- Community Impact: Helps serve more taxpayers, potentially increasing site visibility and partnerships.
- Feedback Loop: Post-season assessments improve future recruitment efforts.
Volunteers report high satisfaction, with many returning annually due to the rewarding nature of the work.
Best Practices for VITA/TCE Partners
To maximize success, IRS Publication 5571 recommends:
- Timely Responses: Reply to volunteer inquiries quickly to secure talent.
- Leverage IRS Support: Attend webinars and use Relationship Managers for volunteer lists.
- Promotional Efforts: Share success stories via social media or community events to boost sign-ups.
- Inclusive Onboarding: Accommodate diverse backgrounds and offer flexible scheduling.
- Continuous Engagement: Follow up with volunteers throughout the season to ensure retention.
By following these, partners can build robust teams and enhance program effectiveness.
Conclusion
IRS Publication 5571 is an invaluable tool for VITA/TCE partners aiming to recruit volunteers through the IRS.gov Volunteer Portal. With its step-by-step guidance and emphasis on efficient matching, it empowers organizations to support their communities effectively. If you’re ready to get involved, download the publication today and start recruiting—your efforts could help countless taxpayers navigate tax season with ease.
For more details, visit the official IRS volunteers page or sign up directly via the portal. Stay updated on IRS announcements to ensure compliance with the latest guidelines.