Are you seeking a way to help others and your community? Consider becoming a VITA tax volunteer!

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) helps lower-income households file their tax returns for free, enabling them to receive the tax credits they’ve earned. Last year, VITA volunteers prepared and filed numerous tax returns in Tama County. New volunteer tax preparers are needed to maintain and expand that outreach.

If you are good at following rules, accurate with details and comfortable with computers, tax preparation may be something you can learn easily. Training is provided and no previous tax experience is necessary.

To learn more about being a VITA volunteer, contact Tama County Extension, 641-484-2703, or contact VITA coordinator Barb Wollan, at 515-832-9597 or bwollan@iastate.edu. Wollan, who is herself a VITA volunteer, reports that “assisting taxpayers is both rewarding and fun, and our terrific team members always provide strong support and back-up for each other.”

Tax preparation volunteers receive IRS-sponsored training through VITA, and are provided the materials, equipment and software necessary to prepare basic income tax returns. Trained volunteers are certified by the IRS and have technical support available when needed. All volunteers must be committed to confidentiality.

Once trained, tax volunteers will assist individuals and families in Tama County with preparing their tax returns. Tax preparation is scheduled to fit volunteer schedules, and COVID safety is a top priority.

Local tax preparation projects currently receive modest funding through the Iowa Center for Economic Success. Iowa State University Extension in Tama County Extension is the local sponsor for VITA efforts in this area.