It's Tax Season

Not long ago the phones started ringing in the volunteer center with caller after caller asking for free tax preparation. VITA (volunteer income tax assistance) is a program that is offered here at United Way of Utah County, that provides community member free tax preparation to those who qualify. VITA is run almost entirely by IRS certified volunteers. These volunteers have been trained specifically to work to get the biggest tax return to those who need it most.

Marcee, preparing taxes

Last year, Marcee Young, then a VISTA, worked with VITA. This year Marcee is an United Way employee running VITA and now Jillian, a VISTA from Community Action Services, is helping out. A couple of weeks ago I attended VITA's first event, the Earned Income Tax Credit Awareness day.

Jillian, hard at work

The Mayor of Provo, John Curtis, even came to help raise awarenes of VITA. He spoke to some of the VITA volunteers and some community members who were getting their taxes done. Overall it was a fun event to kick of tax/VITA season.

Mayor talking with volunteers and community members

You can visit United Way's website or their blog to find out more about VITA. Or you can always call 2-1-1!