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Self Organizing - VITA Tax Assistance

Self Organizing - VITA Tax Assistance

Overview
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program offers free tax help to low- to moderate-income, elderly, disabled or other individuals who require assistance in preparing their tax returns. Many people who qualify for this service and for special credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit don’t know about the VITA program. By helping to educate people about this free service, you can greatly impact their income tax experience.

Supporting Organizations

  • Schools
  • Community centers
  • YMCA, 4-H, Boys & Girls Clubs or other youth-serving organization
  • Job fairs

Materials

  • Information about VITA and local VITA site(s)
  • Flyers, brochures, or other informational literature about how people can access the VITA Program

Instructions

  • Identify a local VITA site (visit http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html for more information).
  • Meet with a representative of the site to learn more about the program and determine how you can help educate people about the service.
  • Go into the community (to community centers, houses of worship, senior centers or other locations) to share VITA information with people who might be eligible but don’t know about the program. You can talk to people, give them flyers or brochures, and answer their questions about this free service.

NOTE: If you’d like to become a VITA volunteer and help people with preparing their tax returns, learn how at http://www.irs.gov/individuals/article/0,,id=107626,00.html

Reflection
After your volunteer project, it is important to reflect on the experience – to think about what you did, what you learned from it and the impact it had. Here are some suggested activities:

  • Tell your family and friends about something you learned and if/how you will continue to help others.
  • Draw a picture, write a poem, or create a jingle about the service activity.
  • Write about your experience on your blog, FaceBook or Twitter.
  • Write a letter to the editor to discuss your experience and encourage others to serve.
  • If you’re working with a group of volunteers to do this project, lead a group discussion with questions such as:
    • Why did you volunteer today?
    • What did you learn about the VITA program, EITC and other tax credits or helping others?
    • What is one thing you will remember most about this service activity?
    • How can you continue to make a difference in our community?