VITA
Since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has evolved into serving a smaller, but just as important group of people. In 2023, we partnered with Ethiopian Community Development Council and Community Asylum Seekers Project to deliver no-cost tax preparation services to their clients who are majority refugees and asylum seekers. The refugee population, of mostly Afghan descent, had never filed a tax return nor had been provided with tax education.
With the help of many volunteers and case management, UWWC assisted in filing 42 federal and state returns that yielded $118k in federal returns and $41k in state returns. Earned income credits totaled $67k. The money that came back to families was used to purchase cars, pay rents, and further familial assets. Along with the money allocated locally came tax education.
Our VITA program is set to return in 2024, serving the same population as last year. We would very much like to thank our volunteers and look forward to the coming tax season!
MyFreeTaxes is a self-filing option.
MyFreeTaxes: Self-file your Federal and State taxes online for FREE.
> Learn more about MyFreeTaxes.com.
Why Do We offer MyFreeTaxes.com?
United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We give people the financial education and tools to build a solid foundation that improves their lives and the lives of their children. For millions of Americans, tax refunds and credits are essential to their financial stability and success. That’s why United Way helps people save more of their hard-earned money. So far, more than 1.3 million people nationwide have used MyFreeTaxes, saving some $260 million in tax preparation fees.
MyFreeTaxes.com Helpline
The MyFreeTaxes Helpline is staffed by dedicated call specialists who have completed IRS VITA program training and certification. The Helpline call specialists are available to answer questions about MyFreeTaxes, help you troubleshoot issues you may face while using the tax filing software we connect you to, and answer certain tax questions you have while completing your return through MyFreeTaxes.
Their main Helpline can be reached at 866-698-9435. It is available 10 am - 6 pm ET daily from February 6 - April 18.
VOLUNTEER
Interested in becoming a volunteer for our free tax preparation program? Our VITA program IS NOT recruiting for volunteers for 2024, but if you're interested in becoming a volunteer for next tax season, please reach out to us at info[at]unitedwaywindham.org or 802-257-4011.
Volunteer Information
All Volunteers must meet the IRS certification requirements. Volunteers' self-study by using the IRS’ Link and Learn Taxes e-learning program.
- The free training and materials will be provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and United Way of Windham County.
- Volunteers are protected under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.
- Volunteers must possess a friendly attitude and adhere to the privacy and confidentiality of taxpayers’ information.
- United Way ensures that volunteers receive the necessary training to feel confident in their roles.
- United Way staff provides feedback and support throughout tax season.
The Free Tax Prep program offers several volunteer roles. How would you like to help?
- Greeters welcome community members, assist with the sign-ins and surveys, and give a run-down of the tax process.
- IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct.
- Screeners help taxpayers complete our short intake/interview process and assist people with the paperwork they need to meet with a tax preparer.
- 3 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Basic Tax Law
- Tax Preparers connect people with tax credits and refunds by preparing federal and state tax returns.
- 3 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Advanced Tax Law
- 3 Optional IRS Certifications: Military, International, and Puerto Rico
- Quality Reviewers ensure that the taxpayer’s tax return is accurate based on the Intake/Interview Sheet, and the supporting documents provided by the taxpayer.
- 3 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Advanced Tax Law
- 3 Optional IRS Certifications: Military, International, and Puerto Rico
- Site Coordinator/Assistant Site Coordinator open and manage a Free Tax Prep site, oversee volunteer personnel, capture results, review returns for accuracy, and work alongside United Way team members and IRS staff.
- 4 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, Advanced Tax Law, and Site Coordinator
- 3 Optional IRS Certifications: Military, International, and Puerto Rico
JOIN US! Reach out today and begin one of the most rewarding experiences there is!
We look forward to working with you!
Support the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
A key component of success in building financial stability is ensuring hardworking families secure and keep the tax credits they are eligible for through free, high-quality tax preparation and filing services. VITA programs must see increased funding to increase their capacity to serve local communities. Join us in asking Congress to support the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.