Play a VITAL Role – Volunteer!

Would you like to be a part of bringing millions of dollars home to West Virginia?  Volunteers are needed to help prepare tax returns at Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout West Virginia. This Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-sponsored program provides courtesy return preparation assistance for those who meet income eligibility.

Volunteers help individuals complete and electronically file their tax returns—all for free.  Refunds can be deposited into a bank account in as little as 7 days at no cost.

Last year dedicated volunteers recruited by Terrell Ellis and Associates (TEA) and seven regional outreach coordinators helped to prepare nearly 30,000 tax returns bringing in $27 million in total refunds. With the success of our efforts last year, additional volunteers are needed to meet the growing demands.

In addition to recruiting volunteers to assist with tax returns, TEA provides staffing for the West Virginia Alliance for Sustainable Families (WVASF) to assist in the establishment of VITA sites in all 55 counties. These sites are located in offices, churches, libraries, colleges, and universities and are open from January through April.

In 2009, 77 sites operated throughout the state. TEA is pleased that seven additional sites have already been announced for 2010.  However, additional sites are still needed to serve individuals and families. According to Kelli Hinkle-Burgess, who serves as the program manager for this initiative, sites are still needed throughout the state, particularly in the Eastern Panhandle.

Do you have an idea for a potential VITA site in your county? Do you know someone who would make an excellent volunteer? Do you know of a corporation that would like to get involved as a site or have employees serve as volunteers? Let us know by calling 304.342.6972 or email khburgess@te-associates.com.