The Johnson County Social Services Department is seeking volunteers for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is a national program sponsored by the IRS and offers free tax preparation for federal and state tax returns for low- income families, persons with disabilities and those with limited English proficiency.

Volunteers play a crucial role in the success of the VITA program, helping to complete and file tax returns for people with limited incomes. This assistance can save a taxpayer money to use on basic needs, such as groceries or rent. VITA volunteers also help to ensure that taxpayers access important tax credits including the Earned Income Tax and Child Tax Credits that lift many families out of poverty.

VITA is looking for greeters and tax preparers and the positions are flexible, and volunteers can choose to sign up for as many shifts as desired. Volunteers will have the opportunity for three to four-hour shifts that occur during the day, evenings, and Saturdays from the end of January through mid-April.

Training will begin in December 2023. For more information, along with a volunteer form, visit https://www.johnsoncountyiowa.gov/become-vita-volunteer.