If you are passionate about helping families overcome hardship through financial education, VITA – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance – is still in need of tax help volunteers. No prior qualification is required to be a VITA volunteer. Volunteers will not be liable for accounting errors, and a staff person will be present at all times.
Tax Preparers will assist families with simple tax returns. Intake Specialists are needed to greet families, ensure they have the necessary documents, and explain the VITA packet. Intake Specialists will attend a one-hour training session. Interpreters are also needed.
Anyone who is interested in giving their time and efforts to assist may contact our Chief Program Officer, Stacy Pacholick, at SPacholick@GRACEGrapevine.org or (817) 305-4636 for more information.
Last year, a total of $352,045 was returned to more than 200 families who came to GRACE to file their returns for free. Families who came to GRACE averaged an additional $2,000 in Earned Income Tax Credit that might have otherwise been missed by other paid tax return preparers.
For those on limited budgets or fixed incomes, a well-earned return from the Internal Revenue Service has a significant budget impact , and creates a ripple effect that is far reaching, including the intangible support given during tax season for financial stewardship awareness, job coaching, and continued education resources to increase each family’s earning potential.
“The value of this service could not be overstated,” said Pacholick. “Not only are refunds rightfully given back to the people who paid them, the teachable moments are boundless.”
VITA is open to all qualifying families with household incomes of $56,000 or less for the 2018 calendar year. In partnership with United Way of Tarrant County, the service is provided free with no out-of-pocket costs for tax preparations.
If you are interested in taking advantage of the VITA program, volunteers will be at GRACE Main Offices, 837 E. Walnut St. in Grapevine, beginning January 28, every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, 2 – 7 p.m. and Saturdays, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. through April 17.
Please bring valid photo identification, a Social Security card or Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) for all family members, all W-2 forms, a copy of the 2018 tax return, if possible, and 1099 forms, cash income amount & work expenses, 1095 Health coverage form, and direct deposit information. If filing jointly, both spouses must be present.
The United Way of Tarrant County has twelve other VITA Locations available. VITA offers tax filers the opportunity to drop off tax information. Returns are processed within three days.
The key to the massive outpouring of support for this program is centered in the volunteers who provide the service. Hundreds of tax preparers, intake specialists and interpreters will be working through the April 17 filing deadline to assure all who qualify can take advantage of VITA services.
Again, please contact our Chief Program Officer, Stacy Pacholick, at SPacholick@GRACEGrapevine.org or (817) 305-4636 for more information.
