United Way Hernando Hosts Vita Volunteer Meet & Greet

Volunteers Needed for Tax Assistance Program

United Way of Hernando County is seeking volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program during the 2024 tax season. Volunteer tax preparers, greeters, and bilingual-Spanish speaking interpreters are needed to provide no-cost tax preparation services at 5 Hernando locations for individuals and families earning less than $60,000 per year.

Volunteer tax preparers will receive IRS certified training including learning how to prepare basic tax returns, using online tax preparation software, and learning about tax credits and deductions that benefit eligible taxpayers. Volunteers of all ages and levels of experience are welcome, though it is preferred that volunteer tax preparers be comfortable working with a computer. In addition, experienced agents, certified financial planners, and non-credentialed tax return preparers can earn continuing education credits when volunteering as a VITA tax preparer.

The amount of federal refunds generated by United Way’s VITA program Hernando County last season was over $1.5 million and, by providing no-cost tax preparation, certified volunteers were able to
assist over 1,847 households this past tax season alone, saving them over $738,000 in tax preparation fees by a commercial service — money that could then be used for food, daycare, medical care,
transportation, housing, utilities, and more.

VITA is volunteer driven — volunteers who enjoy working with people and who want to help improve the quality of life for people in our community, serving people who often cannot afford to pay someone
to file their tax returns and do not feel comfortable or inclined to file their own. No experience is necessary — just a willingness to help.

Become a VITA Volunteer! Flexible hours are available January through April every tax season. A VITA Volunteer Meet & Greet will be hosted at Win the Day Foundation on Wednesday, October 24^th beginning at 9:30 AM – 392 Beverly Court, Spring Hill, FL 34606. Join new and returning volunteers and learn more about United Way’s annual financial stability initiative. Please RSVP by emailing Care@UnitedWayHernando.org or contacting the United Way office at 352-688-2026. All volunteers are asked to complete an online VITA Volunteer Application by visiting www.UnitedWayHernando.org/Volunteer.

SAVE THE DATE for in-person volunteer training in December. More information on VITA can be found by visiting www.UnitedWayHernando.org/VITA.