VITA VOLUNTEER:
To help workers claim the EITC and other tax credits, the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to low-to-moderate income working for families with the help of trained volunteers. Goodwills across the country are currently training hundreds of volunteers to help members of their community to prepare their taxes this season.
“I really do think it impacts the community, and I like to give back,” explains Paulette Johnson, a VITA volunteer. “Even though I don’t have a lot of money, I like to share my knowledge and time. It is really rewarding when people come in that weren’t expecting to get money back.”
By volunteering as a VITA tax preparer in your community, you can gain free tax training, earn a certification from the IRS and gain applicable skills to advance your career. “We have had several of our VITA volunteers get jobs because of their tax preparation experience here at our site,” says Kirby Kaple, financial services specialist at Goodwill Industries of Southern Rivers (Columbus, GA).
This great volunteer opportunity can help you:
- Learn about up-to-date tax preparation rules that can lead to a job with public or private organizations.
- Build data entry skills that apply to numerous job positions in the workforce.
- Gain experience in customer service and one-on-one client consultations.
- Demonstrate a commitment to community service and help you leverage your volunteer work with prospective employers.
Even if you aren’t interested in tax preparation, VITA sites offer many volunteer positions that can enhance your résumé and help members of your community:
- Speak a second language? Help taxpayers of all languages take advantage of free tax preparation as a translator.
- Are you a smart saver? Promote financial best practices and products to help clients make the most of their tax refund and build their assets.
- Know your way around the latest technology? Provide computer and software support to help your local VITA site run smoothly and get refunds back to taxpayers fast.
- Have great organizational skills? Serve as a receptionist to greet clients, file paperwork and schedule appointments at your local VITA site.
To find your local VITA site and learn about VITA volunteer opportunities, go to VolunteerMatch or contact your local Goodwill.
Discover if you or someone you know is eligible to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit.
