In partnership with the IRS and local community coalitions, Connecticut Association for Human Services (CAHS) coordinates an annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) campaign across the state in a variety of towns including in New Haven and Middlesex counties.

A national program, VITA provides free tax preparation services to low-to-moderate-income individuals and families earning less than $57,000 a year. IRS-trained volunteers are certified to prepare simple tax returns, and screen customers for special tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit (Saver’s Credit), that can help them to make ends meet. Visiting a VITA site instead of a paid tax preparer saves each filer an average of $200. Taxes can be filed electronically, in which case refunds are received within 7-10 days.

VITA also is seeking volunteers. Training will be provided. For more information contact VITA Program Coordinator Jenny Vongxay at jvongxay@cahs.org or 860-951-2212 x246 or Outreach Coordinator Tori Hamilton at thamilton@cahs.org or 860-951-2212 x230.

Volunteer opportunities include the following:

Scheduler: Assists in collecting data, verifying information, and making appointments for taxpayers accessing VITA services. Provides administrative support and technical assistance as required.

Greeter: Screens all customers requesting tax assistance, identifying the type of return and tax schedules each taxpayer will need assistance with, and ensure they have all necessary information/documentation required to complete the return.

Tax preparer: Provides (in-person* and/or virtual) free tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers. Provides high quality service and uphold the highest ethical standards to establish and ensure the greatest degree of accuracy and public trust.

Site coordinators and tax saving specialists are also sought.

Due to COVID-19 and restrictions to in-person services, volunteers may need their own laptop/computer to assist clients virtually/remotely and a reliable phone for correspondence.

More information is available at www.cahs.org/programs.html.