United Way Now Recruiting VITA Volunteers
Greeters, Tax Preparers, and Quality Reviewers Needed
Spring Hill, FL – (September 14, 2021) – Every year, United Way of Hernando County partners with the IRS to provide free tax preparation to Hernando County residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. As many communities across the country chose not to reactivate their free filing services in 2020 due to COVID-19, United Way implemented safety measures for volunteers and residents, such as mandatory mask wearing, plexiglass partitions, and hand sanitizing stations. As such, UWHC’s VITA program was able to successfully reopen. In the spring of 2021, a small group of VITA Volunteers completed 673 tax returns, saving Hernando residents an estimated $235,550 and returning $1,131,756 to our Hernando community.
Now more than ever, reliable VITA Volunteers are needed to safely provide this free service to Hernando County residents. United Way is actively recruiting greeters, tax preparers, and quality reviewers to help during tax season (end of January through mid-April 2022).
Volunteer Meet & Greet
United Way will be hosting a VITA Volunteer Meet & Greet on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at 11am at the Spring Hill Branch Library (9220 Spring Hill Drive). New and returning volunteers alike will be able to learn more about this free tax initiative and the volunteer requirements. All volunteers will attend a free training in December in order to be fully certified by the IRS.
Due to the recent increase in COVID-19 activity, seats are limited for this Meet & Greet. Please RSVP today to reserve your spot by contacting the United Way office by either emailing Outreach@UnitedWayHernando.org or calling 352-688-2026.
Volunteer Application
To become a VITA volunteer, fill out an application by visiting www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Volunteer.
Safety Precautions During Filing Season in 2022
The health and safety of Hernando County residents is a priority of United Way. At this time, COVID-19 safety precautions will remain in place to protect both VITA clients and volunteers. Masks for clients and volunteers will be strongly encouraged, as well as mandatory temperature checks at the door. Plexiglass partitions will be installed at preparation sites to separate clients and volunteers, and physical distancing will be enforced. Contactless tax preparation is also available.
For more information on United Way’s VITA program, visit www.UnitedWayHernando.org/VITA or call the United Way of Hernando County office at 352-688-2026.
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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.