TOLEDO – 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 over 70 tax returns in Tama County. New volunteer tax preparers are needed to 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.

“Being a VITA volunteer is particularly rewarding because most consumers are intimidated by taxes and so they’re extremely grateful for our help. In addition, we take time to help them understand their tax returns,” says Barb Wollan, a Human Sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, who provides training and technical assistance to the Tama County VITA team.

To learn more about being a VITA volunteer, contact Cheryl Bruene, at 641-484-2703 or cbruene@iastate.edu. One local volunteer reports that “each tax return is like a puzzle, and it is fun when it is finished! When we work on a challenging return, 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.

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