Volunteer Income Tax Assistance 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 350 tax returns in Hamilton and Wright counties.

Now, new volunteer tax preparers are needed.

“Being a VITA volunteer is particularly rewarding because most consumers are intimidated by taxes and so they’re extremely grateful for our help,” Barb Wollan, a Human Sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, said.

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 VITA coordinator Barb Wollan, at 515-832-9597 or bwollan@iastate.edu.

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 Hamilton and/or Wright County with preparing their tax returns.

Tax preparation is scheduled to fit volunteer schedules.