VITA: AN EXTRAORDINARY VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

The VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Program administered by Goodwill of St. Joseph County is looking for volunteers. VITA is a government-sponsored program which assists low-income taxpayers by preparing and filing their federal and state taxes free of charge. Last year, from the end of January through April 15th, the program helped more than 1800 taxpayers in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties, saving them thousands of dollars in preparation fees. VITA volunteers come from many different backgrounds, from college professors to librarians, from retired ministers to health professionals. NO PRIOR TAX PREPARATION EXPERIENCE IS REQUIRED. All of the expertise necessary to pass the IRS VITA certification tests in order to become a VITA tax preparer is provided through a series of Zoom and/or in-person training sessions which take place during the fall. Preparers typically work in groups of four or more, which means that veteran volunteers are available to answer questions and help solve problems, if necessary. Other ways to participate in the program, such as acting as a greeter or screener, don’t require doing tax preparation. Being part of the VITA program is a great way to contribute to the community while working with a group of compatible and helpful fellow volunteers. If you would like to learn more about the program, please feel free to call or email Carol Hanson 574-360-3541; chanson@goodwill-ni.org