The Village Enterprise Center at 25 Main Street in Chester, one of the locations for VITA tax preparation.
HILLTOWNS – Volunteers are needed to help prepare tax returns for low-to-moderate income individuals in the hilltowns. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will be offering tax preparation assistance beginning in February through mid-April to qualified households earning $54,000 or less.
“By volunteering for just a few hours a week from early February through mid-April, you could help to provide thousands of dollars in benefits for working, income-eligible individuals and families in the hilltowns,” said VITA Program Coordinator Michele Kenney.
Kenney said no experience is necessary, as volunteers will receive training and materials appropriate for their position. Training will be held at the end of January at a time and location to be announced. There is no risk to volunteers, as they are covered under the Volunteer Protection Act and are not accountable for tax returns filed to the IRS. Three volunteer positions are available: Greeters, tax preparers, and checkers.
Greeters help create a welcoming atmosphere at VITA sites while also helping to check in families and individuals accessing VITA services. While tax training is not required for greeters, a positive attitude is critical to being effective in this important role. Tax preparers work with filers to prepare their federal and state income tax returns. Volunteers receive free, in-depth training and must pass an IRS certification test. Checkers scan each return for accuracy and completeness. Volunteers with tax preparing experience are more suited for this position.
The two locations being offered to families for tax preparation in the southern hilltowns include the Huntington Food Pantry on 63 Old Chester Road on Thursdays, and the Village Enterprise Center, 26 Main Street Chester on Friday mornings, so volunteers must have time available during the day. Kenney said college students and seniors are encouraged to participate as volunteers.
Volunteers as well as families who are interested in information about getting their taxes done may call and leave a message for Program Coordinator Michele Kenney at the Hilltown CDC, at 413-296-4536 x 100, or by email at [email protected].
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is made possible through a partnership of the HIltown Community Development Corporation and the Berkshire County United Way.
