United Way of Porter County seeks volunteers to help Porter County residents file their 2018 federal and state income taxes this coming tax season.
Operated under the auspice of the Internal Revenue Service and hosted by United Way of Porter County, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax help to individuals with adjusted gross incomes of $54,000 or less. The program is available without charge to taxpayers from Porter County and surrounding areas.
“As a volunteer tax preparer, you directly impact the lives of so many,” said Kim Olesker, president & CEO of United Way of Porter County. “This year in particular, with all the changes in the tax law, the need for volunteers is ever more crucial.”
Volunteers can serve as greeters, reviewers and tax preparers. No previous experience is required. The hours are flexible. The IRS provides free training. Tax professionals, enrolled agents and other return preparers can earn continuing education credits by volunteering.
“The amount of residents we can help through this program is directly proportional to the number of volunteers who serve,” said George Kuebler, United Way of Porter County VITA supervisor. “So, if you are looking for a way to help in our community then you should consider becoming a volunteer.”
Volunteers will prepare both federal and state tax returns. VITA appointments for the 2019 tax season will be available in late January. The service runs weekdays and some Saturdays from February to April.
A no-obligation volunteer information session will be held at 8 a.m. on Monday, December 10 at United Way, 951 Eastport Centre Dr., Valparaiso. If interested in attending, please RSVP to (219) 464-3583 x128.
For more information about what United Way of Porter County is doing in Northwest Indiana, visit www.unitedwaypc.org.
