Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program seeks volunteers
Spring conjures up many positive images — more daylight in the evenings, daffodils, baseball and warmer weather. For some, these positive images are offset by the thought of the April tax filing deadline, April 17.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program of Centre County can make the tax filing deadline brighter.
The IRS estimates that the average Americans spent more than 3.24 billion hours, which is about 369,858 years, preparing and filing tax returns in 2012, according to the Tax Foundation. For many low-income clients and seniors, this financial burden combined with the complexity of tax law makes it extremely difficult for them to get their income tax returns completed by competent preparers.
Many times, valuable deductions and tax credits are not claimed or high-preparation fees are charged, resulting in lost income for the individuals who need it most.
The VITA program offers free tax help to individuals and households (generally less than $54,000 in adjusted gross income) and elderly taxpayers (age 60 and older). These IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
Additionally, volunteers receive training to use the software to assist clients with their Pennsylvania State Returns, local returns and Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebates.
If you find yourself in need of a tax assistant, you can contact the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Centre County office January-April at 355-6816 to schedule an appointment.
Centre County RSVP/VITA is looking for committed volunteers to join their group of tax preparers for the 2017 tax season.
Are you interested in assisting retired and low-income families in Centre County? Have a mind for numbers? Do you feel comfortable using a computer? Are you willing to study and apply tax law?
If your answers are yes, the RSVP needs you.
If doing taxes is not your thing, but you still want to help, you can become a scheduler. Schedulers receive calls and set appointments from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You do not have to be certified, just a friendly smile in your voice and ear to listen. Training is provided.
Centre County RSVP/VITA is looking now for committed volunteers to join their elite group of tax preparers and schedulers for the 2017 tax season. Call the RSVP office at 355-6816 for more information, or to get started.
Brenda Reeve is the RSVP project director. She can be reached at breeve@centrecountypa.gov.
This story was originally published September 5, 2017 at 11:24 PM with the headline "Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program seeks volunteers."