Show your "spirit of generosity" to working families this season - volunteer for VITA

As this year's fall and winter seasons hold considerable economic challenges for many low-income working families, you can show your "spirit of generosity" during the holidays by signing up to volunteer for next year's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

The City of San Antonio and the Alamo City Coalition for Economic Self-Sufficiency (ACCESS) are urging business groups, working professionals, high school/college students, retired community members and more to donate just a few hours of their spare time each week during next year's income tax season as preparers and site staff. VITA provides free tax preparation assistance and connection to financial empowerment programs to families earning $55,000 or less. Last year, over 38,000 tax returns were completed for residents and families by more than 400 volunteers. ACCESS hopes to recruit at least 500 volunteers to help even more residents during the next tax season.

"One thing that makes San Antonio so great is the way that its citizens remember those families who are less fortunate during the holidays, who could use some extra help for the new year," Community Initiatives Director Dennis Campa said. "Free tax preparation saves working families hundreds of dollars and brings millions in tax refunds back to the community each year. VITA volunteers help give working families the gift of self-sufficiency."

The mission of the Alamo City Coalition for Economic Self-Sufficiency is to help working individuals and families achieve financial independence by providing them with opportunities and education to build, save and protect their financial assets. The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable tax credit for eligible working filers, can make a substantial difference in a working family's annual earnings, yet an estimated 23 percent of eligible filers do not apply for this credit, which costs San Antonio families millions in missed refunds each year.

VITA volunteers prepare and file basic federal income tax forms. New volunteers do not require accounting or tax experience. Upon completing free tax training in December and January, volunteers become certified to prepare tax returns and are assigned to various VITA sites at neighborhood community centers, libraries, schools, stores and other convenient locations across the city.

Volunteers are also being sought to begin preparing tax returns for the general public at VITA Day 2010 on January 31 from 11:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center (Exhibit Hall A Gallery & Exhibit B). Volunteers will help kick off the income tax season with ACCESS partners by filing 1,000 tax returns in one day.

VITA sites operate from January through April. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or have questions about the program, please call (210) 222-2975 or send an e-mail to volunteer@vitasa.org. You can also sign up online as a volunteer by visiting VITA's website: www.vitasa.org.