Volunteer Income Tax Assistance
VITA is an IRS assistance program, however, it is community based and community driven. The VITA program began with the Tax Reform Act of 1969. 104,000 taxpayers were assisted by 7,500 volunteers in its first year of operation (1970). VITA is one example of aide for the low income which can positively impact the community.
VITA volunteers prepare tax returns (Federal and State) for low income, English as a Second Language, elderly and persons with disabilities. The income limitation varies slightly from state to state; Colorado uses a graduated scale based on income and number of dependents.
1 million citizens in Colorado qualify for VITA. 66% pay to have their returns completed, 5% receive assistance from VITA, leaving 29% of taxpayers who are eligible for free income tax assistance.
The IRS will help a community set up and train volunteers to prepare tax returns for low-income individuals and families. The community, however, is ultimately responsible for the coordination and implementation of the VITA sites and volunteers. However, how large or small the Volunteer tax site effort (goal for increase of filers, number of days for the volunteer tax site, the number of volunteers) will be is the community organizers’ decision.
Contact CRAG for proven ways of developing a VITA site in your community.
If you are interested in a VITA volunteer opportunity, please contact (303) 446-1363 or e-mail Christine.R.Bertin@irs.gov to request a VITA volunteer application.
Colorado Free Tax Preparation Sites
