The Center on Children, Families, and Law at UNL, in collaboration with the IRS, is seeking volunteers to help low to moderate-income families prepare their taxes for the upcoming filing season. Organizers say these volunteers are vital to helping the families who need it.
Volunteers will work in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at 13 sites throughout the capital and Lancaster County, in addition to the Tax Counseling for the Elderly program. Those who sign up for the program will work with people with disabilities, senior citizens, and individuals for whom English is an additional language.
“We are looking for volunteers that are interested in taking a little time to learn about taxes and then helping others prepare federal income tax returns for free,” said Linda Moody, UNL Center on Children, Families, and the Law. “People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to volunteer. You can be a part of helping people get all the credits and deductions their eligible for and helping them keep more money in their pocket. It’s an important service for many people in our community.”
No prior experience or knowledge of taxes is required, as VITA volunteers will receive training in person or online. Training will teach volunteers how to prepare simple tax returns. When training is complete, volunteers will be able to help people electronically file federal and state tax returns, greet taxpayers, organize paperwork, set up, maintain or manage sites or handle quality control.
Training will take place between November and January. Volunteers are asked to spend a minimum of three to four hours per week volunteering from February through April.
For more information, or to volunteer, visit Give Pulse or call 402-472-0857.