VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM – BE THE “I” IN VITA!
With inflation in the headlines and our community’s day to day reality, it is more important than ever to make sure tax filers receive all of the credits and refunds they have earned. With your help, they will! The Alameda County Social Services Agency is recruiting volunteer tax preparers for the upcoming tax season!
Are you interested in learning a new skill, making a difference in your community, and meeting new friends? Join the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program hosted by the Social Services Agency. Volunteer registration for tax preparers is now open for the 2022-2023 season! Choose from four sites: North Oakland, East Oakland (Enterprise Way), Hayward, and San Lorenzo. We need volunteers during the program’s operational hours: February 8, 2023 – April 17, 2023, Tuesdays and Wednesdays 5:30 – 8:30 pm and Saturdays 9:00 am – 2:00 pm. (Schedule subject to change.)
In 2022, thanks to the incredible work of 93 talented volunteers (47 of whom were first-time volunteers), we prepared tax returns for over 2,100 low-income families. Our four sites collectively obtained over $5 million in federal and state tax refunds! The average adjusted gross income for families that use our services is about $30,000, while recent studies show that the actual cost of living for a family of four (two adults, one preschooler and one school-aged child) is $106,866 a year in the Bay Area.
Studies also show that in the absence of no-cost tax assistance for filers who cannot afford expensive tax preparers, EITC and other benefits go unclaimed and “left on the table.” But when you come to the table, VITA can serve more individuals and families and return more hard-earned benefits to our community.
Anyone can volunteer. Refer a friend or family member. No prior experience is necessary. All that is needed is a desire and willingness to help others. We will provide IRS Advanced Tax Law certification training to all volunteers. You can choose the three-day in-person instruction or the self-paced online training. Register here to sign up for training and to volunteer. Returning volunteer classes begin November 15. Training sessions for new volunteers will begin on December 6. Sign up early to choose your desired training dates.
If you have any questions, please contact the VITA team at vita.eitc@acgov.org.
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