WESTMINSTER — Southeastern Vermont Community Action (SEVCA) will provide free tax preparation for lower income taxpayers in 2016 through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
SEVCA is now recruiting volunteers to help as many families as possible claim the tax credits available to them. A volunteer orientation meeting will be held Thursday, Nov. 12, at 4 p.m., at SEVCA's main office, 91 Buck Drive.
VITA offers free tax help to people who earn $54,000 or less, persons with disabilities, and elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filing to qualified individuals.
Even volunteers without knowledge about taxes receive specialized training from a certified VITA instructor and IRS online courses. Individuals who are willing and able to commit 3 to 4 hours per week from February through the middle of April 2016 may apply.
Although prior tax preparation experience is not necessary, a commitment to training and certification is required. Training sessions will be held in Westminster and at the volunteers' convenience using online IRS self study training materials. Continuing on-site training and supervision is provided during the tax preparation season.