VITA signing up volunteers for 2010 tax filing season

The City of San Antonio and the Alamo City Coalition for Economic Self-Sufficiency (ACCESS) are urging professionals, high school/college students and community members to donate a few hours of their spare time each week during next year's income tax season as preparers and site staff for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

This past year, approximately 38,740 tax returns were completed for residents and families by 444 volunteers. ACCESS hopes to recruit more than 400 volunteers for next year's tax season.

"The continued economic struggles of the country and our city have shown the coalition that working families need and increasingly rely on VITA's services to help them receive the tax credits and refunds they need to meet their basic needs throughout the year," Community Initiatives Director Dennis Campa said. "VITA volunteers help put money in our residents' pockets as well as help them access mainstream banking services which are vital on the path toward economic 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. 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.

Individuals with some tax experience can receive their volunteer certification online via the IRS website through the "Link and Learn" program. Volunteers completing the online course will also be required to attend a one-day Tax Wise software training. Returning volunteers who participated in last year's VITA program and wish to assist with the 2010 program will only need to attend a modified training session to review any new tax laws and software updates.

VITA sites will operate from January 15 through April 15, 2009. 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. For more information, visit www.vitasa.org.