Tax prep volunteers sought

The United Way is looking for volunteers to help with income tax preparation.

Barbara Sweet, executive director of the Tri-County United Way, made the request for volunteers for the VITA program in Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga counties.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is part of the Live United/Wi$h program, a partnership of business, financial, educational and government organizations dedicated to promoting financial stability and asset building for local individuals and families.  The Tri-County United Way leads the coalition as part of its commitment to strengthen the community and create opportunities for a better life for all by investing in initiatives in education, income, and health, the building blocks for a good quality of life.

Kevin O’Brien, a Tri-County United Way Board member, who has been an advocate and volunteer for the VITA program, noted that increasing the number of volunteers enables more assistance for this free tax preparation service.  He also stated that participation as a volunteer in VITA is very rewarding, and that through the training and assistance programs, volunteers are enabled to give back to the community through this work.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program in Washington, Warren and Northern Saratoga Counties is expanding during this 10th year of filing tax returns for free to eligible residents. VITA volunteers are trained and certified to assist moderate-low income individuals and families in completing their personal tax returns. Volunteers will receive free instruction and all training and certification materials necessary to prepare basic income tax returns. Training classes in basic tax law begins in November and includes the use of electronic filing software supplied by the IRS.

For more information about the local VITA program go to www.vitany.org ; sign up through Get Connected at www.tcuwny.org ; call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Washington County at 518-746-2560 and ask for Joan Prouty; or call Cornell Cooperative Extension of Warren County at 518-668-4881 or 623-3291 and ask for Laura Moore.