United Way needs 160 volunteers for income tax preparation services

WICHITA, Kan., Oct. 16, 2024 — United Way of the Plains is recruiting 160 volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that will operate Feb. 1 through April 15 in 2025. The service is offered at no charge to households making $64,000 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 Kristie Costa, VITA Program Manager for United Way of the Plains.

Costa recruits volunteers who are then trained to become IRS certified to file taxes and identify tax credits. Around 6,000 returns were prepared in 2024, valued at more than $7 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 Costa, many people in the area depend on the program that was originally established in 2003. “Volunteering with United Way of the Plains’ VITA program is a rewarding experience, one that can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families. It’s not just about numbers, it’s about impacting lives and building stronger communities. The program cannot grow and serve more people unless more people volunteer.”

Site coordinators, greeters, appointment schedulers and virtual tax preparers are also needed for the tax season. These volunteer opportunities are ideal for young professionals who wish to add valuable experience to their resumes, stay-at-home parents with children in school, 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 with locations across Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Ford, Geary, Marion, Pratt and Sumner counties.

Interested in becoming a tax preparation volunteer?

  • No experience needed
  • Free training provided to become IRS certified
  • Short-term opportunity (February 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: Bryan Ramsdale, Manager of Digital Content Creation, (316) 267-1321, ext. 4103, bramsdale@unitedwayplains.org

United Way of the Plains is a nonprofit and for-impact organization that focuses on healtheducation, 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, InstagramLinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok.

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Published On: October 16, 2024

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