WINDHAM — Volunteers are needed for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in Windham and surrounding towns.

The VITA program, which is run by Co-opportunity Inc. in partnership with Windham Region United Way, provides free tax preparation services to lower-income working families and helps them take advantage of tax credits and refunds, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Last year, VITA volunteers helped bring $1.7 million in federal tax refunds—including $647,000 in EITCs—back to people in the Windham area.

Volunteers are needed for four positions: tax preparers, intake specialist, asset ambassadors and FAFSA champions. Training is provided.

• Tax preparers work with filers to prepare their federal and state income tax returns. Volunteers receive free, in-depth training and must pass an IRS certification test.
• Intake specialists oversee the flow of the site and work hand-in-hand with a professional site coordinator. They help filers complete essential paperwork, including the required IRS intake application, and verify relevant documents such as W-2s, 1099s, interest statements, etc. Intake specialists also manage the appointment calendar and walk-in traffic.
• Asset ambassadors serve as a link to financial education, savings and asset building opportunities available through the tax site.
• FAFSA Champions help individuals prepare their application for federal student aid.

Volunteers must commit to a minimum of a four-hour shift per week during the tax season, from mid-January through April 15. Sites are open days, evenings and weekends. Bilingual-Spanish volunteers are desired. For more information about serving as a VITA volunteer, contact Laura O’Keefe at Co-opportunity, Inc., at (860) 236-3617, ext.113 or LauraO@co-opportunity.org.

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