What should be prioritized during the client appointment at a VITA site?

Prioritizing addressing all client questions and concerns thoroughly is essential during a client appointment at a VITA site. This approach builds trust between volunteers and clients, ensuring that clients feel valued and understood. When clients have their questions and concerns addressed, it allows them to gain a better understanding of their tax situation, which can lead to more informed decisions about their finances. This thorough attention to client needs can also help to diminish anxiety regarding the tax process and can promote a more positive experience overall.

While speed of service is important to maintain an organized workflow at the site, it should never come at the expense of providing adequate support and information to clients. Clients often have unique situations that require detailed explanations, so taking the time to address their specific needs is critical. Encouraging future appointments and focusing solely on tax documents, though relevant, do not align with the overarching goal of providing comprehensive assistance and support to ensure clients feel confident and informed about their tax matters.