VITA Tax Prep Volunteers Needed:  Gain a Skill and Change a Life

United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) is looking for volunteers who are interested in helping improve financial mobility in our community.

Volunteers are needed to help individual and families in need file their taxes through the IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Volunteers will file federal and state income tax returns for free for those with low- to moderate-income; age 60 and older; with disabilities; and with limited English proficiency.

“Many low- to moderate-income families pay $200 or more for tax preparation services,” said UWLC President and CEO Dale Douthat. “When you’re walking a financial tightrope, saving $200 or more can make a big difference in preventing a financial crisis. By helping families make every dollar go farther, United Way is offering solutions that move our neighbors towards financial independence and a better quality of life.”

VITA is a collaboration with the IRS, Beaufort County Human Services Department and United Way of the Lowcountry. Last year, Beaufort County’s VITA program filed more than 2,400 free tax returns in Beaufort and Jasper Counties — generating more than $4 million in economic impact.

There are opportunities for non-tax certified and tax certified volunteers. Non-tax certified volunteers are needed as greeters and screeners; interpreters; and computer specialists/troubleshooters. Tax certified volunteers are needed as site coordinators; tax preparers; and quality reviewers. Free IRS tax law training and testing is available.

Volunteers may pick the dates, times and locations most convenient for them. There are several locations throughout Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, Bamberg and Barnwell counties.

To learn more about VITA and how you can volunteer, call 843-321-9071, email lowcountryvitacoalition@gmail.com or visit www.vitalowcountry.org.

About United Way of the Lowcountry
Since the 1950s, United Way of the Lowcountry has been working to create a better life for the residents of Beaufort and Jasper counties. Our focus is on protecting services vital to the immediate basic needs of the most vulnerable members of our community; while making long term investments in education, economic mobility and health, because these are the building blocks for a good quality of life. We bring together people and organizations from all across the Lowcountry who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done. Each year, United Way raises funds through our annual campaign, special events and grants. Just as funds are raised locally, United Way funds stay local. Learn how you can be a part of United Way at www.uwlowcountry.org.