Lebanon County United Way is looking for VITA volunteers

United Way of Lebanon County seeks volunteers to support tax assistance program

The United Way of Lebanon County, in collaboration with Lebanon Community Action Partnership and the Grace United Church of Christ, is actively seeking volunteers to participate in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

Volunteers are needed now so they can secure the training necessary for the program that runs from February to March. The VITA program provides much-needed assistance to individuals and families in Lebanon County who earn less than $62,000 per year and require assistance with preparing and filing their income taxes.

Last tax year, with the dedicated support of IRS-trained and certified volunteer tax preparers, the VITA volunteers filed 820 federal and state tax returns, resulting in $888,886 in tax refunds and tax credits for individuals and families whose average annual income was $28,000. In addition, this free service saved families an estimated $165,000 in tax preparation fees. With approximately 35% of Lebanon County’s families qualifying for VITA assistance, the United Way of Lebanon County recognizes the urgent need for additional volunteer tax preparers to increase the numbers of families.

VITA is one of United Way of Lebanon County’s ongoing Signature Service Programs. It is sponsored again this year by the FirstEnergy Foundation and has made a significant impact on the local community over the years. However, additional volunteers are needed to expand its impact and meet the needs of the community.

While the primary need is for volunteer certified tax preparers, there are other volunteer opportunities in VITA, including greeter/intake specialist and a VITA site coordinator. Descriptions of these roles are at unitedwaylebco.org/vita. To ensure volunteers are equipped to serve, free IRS training will be provided.

“We are striving to increase the number of trained and certified volunteer tax preparers, the number of households served, and the total refund amounts during the upcoming tax season.” said Bert Miuccio, Executive Director at United Way of Lebanon County.

Individuals interested in making a difference in their community by becoming a VITA program volunteer should contact Bert Miuccio at (717) 963-2369. By volunteering, they will not only contribute to the impact of this program but also gain valuable experience and be part of a program that positively impacts individuals and families in their own community.