Volunteers Provide In-Person or Virtual Tax Prep Services
United Way Greater Nashville is recruiting volunteers to provide free tax preparation for low- to moderate-income taxpayers as part of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) free tax prep program.
Volunteers help qualifying individuals and families by serving as greeters, tax preparers, quality reviewers and site coordinators. Many volunteers begin with no previous tax experience. Volunteers will also help qualifying individuals receive important credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or Child Tax Credit (CTC) that lift millions out of poverty each year.
IRS-training options begin in December and continue through January. Volunteers choose their site location and register for training based on their desired volunteer role. Tax prep begins in late January.
“Our dedicated volunteers play a critical role in helping return millions of dollars back into the communities we serve,” said United Way of Greater Nashville President and CEO Brian Hassett. “Hundreds of volunteers lend their time and talent to make sure community members have the necessary resources during tax-filing season and help break down barriers so that families and individuals can build financial stability for years to come.”
Thousands of our neighbors rely on this important service each year, not only to access critical tax credits but to save on fees that can be put toward expenses like rent, food and childcare. Volunteers help each family save, on average, more than $300 in tax prep fees. For tax year 2022, Middle Tennessee VITA volunteers prepared 9,000 returns, helping taxpayers save $2.7 million in tax preparation fees and bringing $11.7 million in federal refunds back to the community.
“Volunteering at VITA is the best part of Tax Season. I’ve met so many great people while making an important contribution to my community. VITA is a vital service to so many people,” said VITA volunteer Gayle Rodrich.
Beginning in January, taxpayers can find their nearest VITA site and more information at UnitedWayFileFree.com or through United Way’s 211 Helpline by dialing 211 or texting their ZIP code to 898211.
Visit volunteerforvita.org to get started.