Volunteer at PCSI’s Free Tax Prep Site
PCSI is opening a free tax preparation site at 249 North Craig Street for the 2027 tax season, and we are looking for volunteers to join us. Free parking in our lot is available to volunteers.
For many of the households we serve, a tax refund can help cover bills, reduce financial stress, and support greater stability. As a volunteer, you can help neighbors claim valuable tax credits and refunds they have earned while gaining useful skills and making a direct impact in your community.
Become a Volunteer Tax Preparer
No tax experience is required. PCSI’s partner, Just Harvest, provides free training and support for all volunteers.
New volunteers complete 15 to 18 hours of training in January through a combination of online modules and in-person sessions. After training, volunteers take an IRS certification exam. You will have two opportunities to pass, and support will be provided throughout the process.
Returning volunteers complete a five-hour refresher course.
Because training sessions are scheduled in advance, interested volunteers are encouraged to sign up early. Once January training begins, we cannot add additional participants.
Tax Season Commitment
Volunteer tax preparers commit to one shift per week from late January through April 15, for approximately 12 shifts total.
Available shifts are:
- Mondays, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Mondays, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Thursdays, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Thursdays, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Volunteers choose the shift that works best for their schedule and keep the same shift throughout the season.
Total Time Commitment
- 15 to 18 hours of training in January
- Approximately 3 hours per week during tax season
- About 50 hours total over the course of the season
What You’ll Gain
As a volunteer tax preparer, you will:
- Learn a valuable skill you can use for years to come
- Work alongside a dedicated and supportive volunteer team
- Help local families access refunds and tax credits that strengthen financial stability
- Receive a PCSI volunteer sweatshirt and refreshments during shifts
- Make a meaningful difference in the community
Professionals including accountants, attorneys, CPAs, enrolled agents, and financial planners may also qualify for up to 18 hours of IRS continuing education credit.
Looking for a Smaller Commitment?
PCSI also needs volunteer greeters.
Greeters welcome tax site visitors, help confirm they have the documents needed for their appointment, and assist with site operations. Greeter training includes a short online ethics course instead of the full tax preparation curriculum, making the January commitment only a few hours.
Greeters follow the same weekly shift schedule as tax preparers.
Ready to Get Involved?
Email Sarah Cook at sarahc@pghcsi.org to learn more or sign up, or send a message through PCSI’s Contact Us page.