NEWS RELEASE
DATE: October 2, 2023
Contact:
Angie B. Walasek, CEO Angie@UnitedWayHernando.org
Justine Peppe, CID Impact@UnitedWayHernando.org
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
UNITED WAY HERNANDO HOSTS VITA VOLUNTEER MEET & GREET
Spring Hill, FL - United Way of Hernando County is seeking volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during the 2024 tax season. Volunteer tax preparers, greeters, and bilingual-Spanish speaking interpreters are needed to provide no-cost tax preparation services at 5 Hernando locations for individuals and families earning less than $60,000 per year.
Volunteer tax preparers will receive IRS certified training including learning how to prepare basic tax returns, using online tax preparation software, and learning about tax credits and deductions that benefit eligible taxpayers. Volunteers of all ages and levels of experience are welcome, though it is preferred that volunteer tax preparers be comfortable working with a computer. In addition, experienced agents, certified financial planners, and non-credentialed tax return preparers can earn continuing education credits when volunteering as a VITA tax preparer.
The amount of federal refunds generated by United Way’s VITA program Hernando County last season was over $1.5 million and, by providing no-cost tax preparation, certified volunteers were able to assist over 1,847 households this past tax season alone, saving them over $738,000 in tax preparation fees by a commercial service — money that could then be used for food, daycare, medical care, transportation, housing, utilities, and more.
VITA is volunteer driven — volunteers who enjoy working with people and who want to help improve the quality of life for people in our community, serving people who often cannot afford to pay someone to file their tax returns and do not feel comfortable or inclined to file their own. No experience is necessary — just a willingness to help.
Become a VITA Volunteer! Flexible hours are available January through April every tax season. A VITA Volunteer Meet & Greet will be hosted at Win the Day Foundation on Wednesday, October 24th beginning at 9:30 AM – 392 Beverly Court, Spring Hill, FL 34606. Join new and returning volunteers and learn more about United Way’s annual financial stability initiative. Please RSVP by emailing Care@UnitedWayHernando.org or contacting the United Way office at 352-688-2026. All volunteers are asked to complete an online VITA Volunteer Application by visiting www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Volunteer.
SAVE THE DATE for in-person volunteer training in December. More information on VITA can be found by visiting www.UnitedWayHernando.org/VITA.
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United Way of Hernando County, Inc.:
United Way of Hernando County (UWHC) was established as a 501c3 organization in 1987, and since then has continuously focused on creating partnerships and mobilizing our community to seek sustainable solutions to some of the most pressing local needs. UWHC strategically allocates Community Investment Funds in Health, Education, & Financial Stability programs with proven results and local impact. UWHC works hard to balance the growing demand for basic services such as food, utilities, and rent assistance, with our ongoing commitment to tackling the underlying causes of complex issues. United Way partners with businesses and organizations that share our vision for improving lives through the power of collective impact and working together. Our support for long-term commitments are essential to addressing key social issues, such as helping children, youth, adults & elders, encouraging health and wellness, including physical and emotional care, promoting financial stability and self-sufficiency, and crisis intervention. For more information on how YOU can LIVE UNITED, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org.
