United Way seeking volunteers for free tax-prep program | News

United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is seeking volunteer tax preparers and support staff for its annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, known as VITA. Training is provided at no cost, both in person and online, and includes IRS-sponsored tax certification. The program is also recruiting site coordinators, intake specialists and Spanish-speaking interpreters. VITA services will run Feb. 4 through April 15.

VITA offers free preparation and e-filing of state and federal tax returns for individuals and families earning up to $79,000 a year. Volunteers help taxpayers file accurate returns and claim credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. According to United Way, an hour of volunteer time can result in an average refund of about $1,500 for a household.

The program is run by United Way of Tucson in partnership with Catholic Community Services and other organizations across Northern and Western Arizona. The collaborative now operates in 10 of the state’s 15 counties. During the 2024 filing season, volunteers prepared more than 14,000 returns, resulting in more than $16 million in refunds.

“Tax season can be challenging for many families, and our free VITA service offers support that truly makes a difference,” said Vanecia Kerr, president and CEO of United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona.

United Way of Tucson works with local partners on education, financial stability, health, housing and homelessness initiatives and reportedly serves more than 400,000 people in the region each year.

For more information or to volunteer, visit unitedwaytucson.org/vita/volunteer or email [email protected].