VITA volunteer tax preparers and greeters wanted

Looking to make a difference for hard-working individuals and families in Maricopa?

English and Spanish-speaking volunteer tax preparers are needed to assist in United Way of Pinal County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Volunteers are also needed to greet clients or administrate a site.

Volunteers complete a free, six-session IRS tax law course offered in December.

This will be the fourth year for VITA in Pinal County, and the program continues to grow and change. From one site and 49 tax returns prepared in 2008, the program expanded to 16 sites and over 300 returns prepared at absolutely no charge to the eligible taxpayer in 2009.

VITA was created to put taxpayers in touch with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal tax credit designed to boost the incomes of working families, and the Child Tax Credit. One of its primary goals is making certified tax preparation affordable by training volunteers to provide accurate tax assistance free of charge. Opportunities are available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Saturday mornings.

“We project that there are about 3,000 taxpayers who qualify and could benefit from the program in Maricopa,” said VITA Program Manager Ricardo Banuelos. “One hour of your time can be worth $1,200 to a struggling family.”

For more information on volunteering and to request an application, call Banuelos at 520-836-0736 or contact him via e-mail at [email protected].

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