FAQ’s
WHAT IS THE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE (VITA) PROGRAM?
As part of the Northern Virginia CASH Campaign, the Volunteer Income
Tax Assistance (VITA) Program provides free tax preparation services to low-income
families. Working with local businesses and government agencies, the mission is to
raise awareness about the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and increase financial
literacy among low-income taxpayers.
WHERE WILL THE SITES BE LOCATED?
Site arrangements have been made at 20 convenient locations throughout
Northern Virginia in the City of Alexandria and the counties of Arlington,
Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun and Prince William.
WHO SHOULD VOLUNTEER AND WHAT EXPERIENCE IS NEEDED?
No prior experience is necessary! Volunteers are needed in the following areas: tax preparers, screeners, greeters, translators and IT support. Volunteers who would like to become a tax preparer will need to become IRS certified. Free certified training courses are offered in a classroom setting or online.
WHAT IS EXPECTED OF A VOLUNTEER?
Volunteer should have a good command of the Enlgish language as all training and training materials are provided only in English. Volunteers should be comfortable using a computer and are asked to commit 3 to 6 hours each week to work at the VITA site.
WILL MY VOLUNTEER EFFORT REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Last year, volunteers donated approximately 16,439 hours of their time and helped low-income families in Northern Virginia receive over $7 million in federal tax refunds. The average VITA client received $1,636 in federal tax refunds and $1,857 in Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Over $1.5 million was awarded back to those families who qualified for the Child Tax Credit (CTC). In total, volunteers helped more than 4,600 families prepare their taxes last year.
