VITA needs volunteers to help people with their taxes [United Way column]

We are surrounded by people with unique sets of gifts and abilities, and I was reminded of this fact earlier this week. One of my children is involved in a community theater production, and the show requires people with many different skills to work together to make the show happen. It takes actors, directors, stage managers, choreographers, lighting and sound experts, and many more. Volunteering works in a similar way when people work together to contribute their unique skills to benefit others in our community. No matter what you have to offer, there is a place where you are needed, and when your unique skills are added to the unique skills someone else brings, our community can be transformed for the better.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program brings together volunteers with varied skills and experience to serve people across Lancaster County by providing free tax preparation for individuals and families earning up to $70,000. The program's trained volunteers save clients hundreds of dollars in tax preparation fees and help them complete their tax returns. Last year, Lancaster County's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance volunteers saved their clients $2.8 million in tax preparation fees and helped them receive $9.8 million in refunds they were due. The combined efforts of the volunteers directly benefit many people around our community, helping them save money and build a more secure financial situation for themselves and their families.

Program volunteer recruitment is currently underway for the upcoming tax season. With 16 tax preparation sites around Lancaster County, and with sites open every Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during tax season, there are many flexible opportunities for volunteers to get involved. Training is provided for all volunteers, and our Lancaster County Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program was recognized as a Champion of Training by the IRS in 2023. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is seeking volunteers for two roles.

Volunteer tax preparer

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance is looking for volunteer tax preparers to help individuals from across Lancaster County file their taxes this tax season. This is a great role for volunteers who want to make a real impact in our community. Volunteer tax preparers work one-on-one with clients to prepare and file their tax returns using IRS-provided software. No previous experience is required, all is needed is a willingness to learn. Certification through the IRS is required, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance will provide all required training and comprehensive support every step along the way.

Visit tinyurl.com/VITALancTaxPrep to volunteer.

Volunteer greeter

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance greeters help create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at program tax preparation sites, where they welcome clients and assist in confirming that they have the necessary documents to complete their tax returns. No previous experience is required, just a heart for service and a willingness to complete a simple certification. Volunteer Income Tax Assistance provides all required training and comprehensive support.

Visit tinyurl.com/VITALancGreeter to volunteer.

If you would like to find out more about volunteering, there are two information sessions this week: Monday, Sept. 23, from 3-4 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 24, from 6-7 p.m. Both sessions are at United Way of Lancaster County, 1910 Harrington Drive, Lancaster. Please RSVP by emailing .

Find other volunteer opportunities

United Way of Lancaster County's Get Connected volunteer site offers a wide variety of volunteer opportunities from around the county, and you can find volunteer opportunities that fit your interests and availability. The site is regularly updated with new opportunities, and you can also sign up to receive updates when new opportunities are posted. Visit Get Connected at

uwlanc.galaxydigital.com .