VITA
Be A VITA Volunteer!
United Way of Fresno County is currently accepting volunteer applications for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program 2011. Learn valuable skills such as tax preparation, customer service, data entry and more by joining and volunteering with the VITA Program. Work with more than 30 community partners and help staff more than 30 VITA sites throughout Fresno and Tulare Counties.
VITA volunteers enjoy a rewarding feeling of helping families and their community avoid paying tax preparation fees, thus families keep every dollar of their refunds. Best part, skills you learn from being a VITA volunteer can enhance your resume and employment potential.
Sign up TODAY. Download the VITA Volunteer Application 2011 and email it to: ATTN: May Gnia Her at mvang@unitedwayfresno.org or call (559) 243.3669.
What is VITA?
VITA is the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. It is a program that offers no cost tax filing services to working individuals and families with household incomes of $48,000 or less.
How does it work?
Before the tax season starts, VITA volunteers have already put in 32 hours each of tax preparation training and certification by the Internal Revenue Service. Over 260 volunteers help staff 33 VITA sites, at various locations around the community, offering no cost tax filing assistance throughout the tax season.
VITA volunteers are also apart of several events throughout the tax season, such as the First Lady Maria Shrivers WE CONNECT YOU event to be held in Fresno this year at The Fresno Fairgrounds. Several VITA volunteers will also be spending time at the Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians offering no cost tax filing assistance to our Native American community. Other special events include partnerships with Wal-Mart and the One Economy Organization bringing a mobile no cost tax service vehicle to shopping centers, neighborhoods, and community centers throughout Fresno County.
2009 results-
During the 2009 tax season, VITA volunteers completed an estimated 39,787 hours of service. At the State of California minimum wage, these hours represent over $338,186 dollars. The IRS estimates that through the VITA/EITC Volunteer Program, tax payers in Fresno County saved over $1.3 million in professional tax filing fees. In this economy saving families money and helping them keep every penny of their total refund is essential to building a financially stronger community.
How do I find out more?
Taxpayers who have questions about the VITA/EITC Volunteer Program, no cost tax filing assistance, or any one who would like to become a VITA volunteer, please contact May Gnia Vang, Financial Stability Program Manager at 559.243.3669 or dial 2-1-1.
Give. Advocate. Volunteer. LIVE UNITED
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