Volunteers Needed to Help Prepare Tax Returns

Do you like to help people? Do you have a desire to help those in need? Then VITA may be just what you're looking for. The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program is sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and provides courtesy return preparation assistance to people who cannot afford professional tax help, such as seniors, disabled, low-income and non-English speaking people.

VITA volunteers explain many special tax credits and deductions and how people may claim them on their tax returns. These volunteers help individuals complete their returns, right down to any refund that may be due them. Anyone can volunteer. If you have a skill and want to help, a way can be found to involve you in this program.

The IRS provides free tax law training, electronic filing software training and all the materials needed to prepare basic individual income tax returns. Volunteers are asked to volunteer an average of two to four hours per week from February through April 15.

In addition to volunteers, the IRS is seeking interested organizations, such as local civic and fraternal organizations, education institutions, churches and social groups to partner with and host VITA sites.

If you or your organization would like more information about starting a VITA program in your community or want to volunteer, call the IRS at 860-756-4691.