United Way needs 300 volunteers for 2023 income tax preparation services

WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 20, 2022 — United Way of the Plains is recruiting 300 volunteers for the 2023 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that will operate Jan. 31 through April 18. The service is offered at no charge to households making $60,000 or less annually. Funded through an annual grant secured from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and managed by the United Way of the Plains, the program is overseen by Sarah Crick Milligan, VITA Program Manager for United Way of the Plains.

Milligan recruits volunteers who are then trained to become IRS certified to file taxes and identify tax credits. More than 5,500 returns were prepared in 2022, valued at a record $7.9 million that was returned to the local economy. Tax refunds help our neighbors become financially stable by retaining more of their earned income for rent, food, medical costs and other necessary expenses.

According to Milligan, many people in the area depend on the program that was originally established in 2003. “We know that this program has a tremendous impact on the lives of our friends and neighbors. We see immediate results when the people we serve can utilize their refunds to stabilize their futures. Our volunteers are working diligently to build a stronger community together. It’s very rewarding to help people collect the refunds that they’ve earned.”

Site coordinators and greeters are also needed for the 2023 tax season. These volunteer opportunities are ideal for young professionals who wish to add valuable experience to their resumes, retirees who are seeking a temporary volunteer position and anyone with a passion to help others. Interested volunteers should sign up at unitedwayplains.org/taxvolunteer for the program that serves Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley and Marion counties.

Interested in becoming a tax preparation volunteer?

• No experience needed
• Free training provided to become IRS certified
• Short-term opportunity (January through April)
• Select your site and service type (in-person or virtual) that fits your schedule
• On-site support from experienced professionals

Watch for additional information in January about the location and the hours of operation for VITA sites.

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MEDIA CONTACT: Angie Prather, Vice President of Marketing and Chief Community Engagement Officer, (316) 267-1321, aprather@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on health, education, financial stability and basic needs – the building blocks for a good quality of life and a strong community. Our mission is to improve lives by harnessing the caring power of our community to advance the common good in south central Kansas. Follow us on these social media channels: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.