Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Certification Practice Test

If a volunteer overhears unethical behavior by another volunteer, what should they do?

1. Ignore it as it does not concern them

2. Confront the volunteer in front of the taxpayer

3. Report it to the site coordinator immediately

4. Make an announcement to the waiting room about the behavior

The correct answer is: Report it to the site coordinator immediately

The appropriate course of action when a volunteer overhears unethical behavior is to report it to the site coordinator immediately. This option ensures that the matter is addressed by someone in a position of authority who can investigate the situation properly and take appropriate measures to handle it. Reporting to the site coordinator also helps maintain confidentiality and prevent further unethical behavior from continuing, as it allows for a controlled response rather than escalating the situation. Ignoring the behavior can potentially allow unethical practices to persist, which may affect clients and the integrity of the organization. Confronting the volunteer in front of others could lead to a public confrontation that may not resolve the issue effectively and can create an uncomfortable atmosphere for taxpayers. Lastly, making a public announcement in the waiting room could compromise privacy and may not address the behavior adequately. It’s essential to approach such situations in a manner that is respectful and constructive, which is achieved by notifying the appropriate authority.