From staff reports
Thanks to the efforts of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA), 1,873 Lowcountry residents achieved more than $2.65 million in refunds this year, empowering them on the path to self-sufficiency.
The VITA Program is an impactful collaboration between the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Beaufort County Human Services Alliance, and United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC), serving as a vital support system for individuals and families facing financial constraints, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speakers. By providing free assistance to accurately complete tax returns, VITA makes sure that those in need receive their full refunds.
From February through April, a team of 64 volunteers invested more than 4,700 hours, resulting in eligible tax filers saving almost $468,000 in tax preparation fees. These savings have a direct impact on the financial well-being of the families served.
“When you’re walking a financial tightrope, getting a few hundred dollars back can make a big difference in preventing a financial crisis,” President and CEO of United Way of the Lowcountry (UWLC) Dale Douthat said in a news release. “We’re so thankful for our VITA volunteers who give their time and talent year-after-year to help Lowcountry families move towards self-sufficiency and a better quality of life.”
The VITA Program offers various opportunities for both non-tax certified and tax-certified volunteers. Non-tax certified volunteers can serve as greeters and screeners, interpreters, and computer specialists/troubleshooters. Tax-certified volunteers are needed as site coordinators, tax preparers, and quality reviewers. Free IRS tax law training and testing is available to ensure volunteers are equipped with the necessary skills. Bilingual Spanish speakers are especially encouraged to participate in all positions.
Volunteers have the flexibility to choose the dates, times and locations that are most convenient for them. This year, VITA volunteers assisted residents at 11 locations throughout the Lowcountry, including Bamberg, Barnwell, Beaufort, Colleton and Jasper counties.
To learn more about how you can make a difference by volunteering for the VITA Program during the upcoming 2024 tax season, email shalphen@uwlowcountry.org or call 843-379-3064.
