United Way of Passaic County’s (UWPC) - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
What is VITA?
The VITA program provides free tax preparation to low-income families and individuals making less than $65,000 annually. The program is overseen and operates under the authority of the IRS. All VITA providers are registered with the IRS and VITA preparers are certified with the IRS.
UWPC has operated the VITA program for over a decade, in that time the program has completed over 11,000 tax returns resulting in over $12 million in Federal refunds for low-income families and individuals. In addition, the program has saved clients an estimated S2 million in filing fees creating a total $15 million in economic impact for Passaic County.
How Volunteer Make a Difference
As a VITA volunteer you have a direct and significant impact on the financial stability of our neighbors in Passaic County. The goal of the VITA program is to ensure that our hardworking neighbors living poverty or paycheck get back every dollar the is due to them through tax refunds and credits. The refunds families access with the support of VITA allow them to tackle basic expenses such as food, housing and transportation or save for their future.
A United Way of Passaic County's VITA volunteer commented that being a VITA volunteer was "One of the most interesting volunteer opportunities I've ever had. I know that I am helping others and really making a difference.”
How to become a Volunteer Tax Preparer
No tax preparation experience is necessary to be a VITA Volunteer!
All volunteers attend a short orientation course and software training. VITA volunteers become certified with the IRS through the Link and Learn program. All materials needed for the certification process are available online. The certification exams are open book and do not have time limits.
Volunteer Positions Available Include:
Income Tax Preparers: Prepare Federal & State returns. Volunteers receive hands-on training using a professional tax software. Certifications needed include Standard of Conduct, Intake/Interview & Quality Review, and Basic Tax-Preparation Certification.
Greeter/Intake Specialist / Translators: Review Intake form for completion. Conduct taxpayer interview for additional information. Certifications needed include Standard of Conduct and Intake/Interview & Quality Review.
We especially need volunteers that can speak other languages in addition to English. Languages needed include but is not no limited to Arabic, Bengali, Farsi, French, Polish, Spanish, and Turkish.
Sign up at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2024VITAvolunteers
