What should a volunteer do if they discover a client wants to use their personal bank account for direct deposit of a refund?

In this situation, the most appropriate course of action is to inform the client that using a personal bank account for direct deposit of a refund is against policy and cannot be done. This choice ensures adherence to the rules and regulations governing the tax preparation process as set by the VITA program.

The policy typically requires the use of specific bank accounts, such as those established for tax purposes, to maintain security and prevent potential fraud. By providing this information to the client, the volunteer ensures that the clients' interests are safeguarded, and potential complications arising from improper use of bank accounts are avoided.

Communicating clearly about the constraints of the policy also helps maintain professionalism and sets clear expectations with the client. It is important for volunteers to uphold the integrity and trust of the VITA program by ensuring that all actions align with established guidelines.