Free IRS Certification Training Offered For Volunteers

United Way Southwest Louisiana is recruiting local volunteers to assist with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Initiative. VITA provides tax preparation and electronic filing services at no cost to thousands of families annually throughout the five-parish area. In 2024, VITA volunteers helped prepare 4,955 tax returns, bringing more than $4.3 million to low- and moderate-income residents in the five-parish region. For the 2025 VITA tax season, approximately 60 volunteers will be needed to serve at all planned sites. Learn more online at unitedwayswla.org/vitavolunteer.

VITA provides free tax preparation for the community, especially low- and moderate-income people, older people, and individuals with disabilities. An emphasis is placed on helping eligible taxpayers receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and save money on tax preparation and expensive refund advance loans each year.

“VITA is one of the most critical Initiatives in our long-term planning arsenal for families,” explains Denise Durel, President and CEO of United Way Southwest Louisiana. “We can ensure these families can easily and properly access the money and tax credits they are entitled to and help them learn to save for those unplanned emergencies. For some individuals, this is the beginning of saving toward their first big asset purchase.”

Prior experience is optional to become a VITA volunteer. There is no cost for the training, class materials, testing, or IRS certification to become a tax preparer at a site. Other volunteer positions at each Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis parish locations include site coordinators, greeters, and volunteers. Bilingual volunteers are needed for this upcoming tax season as well. Register online at unitedwayswla.org/vitavolunteer.

VITA VOLUNTEER IRS CERTIFICATION TRAINING

Saturday, December 14

9:15 AM to 1:30 PM

United Way Southwest Louisiana

815 Ryan Street, Lake Charles, LA 70601

Lunch will be served

Register at unitedwayswla.org/vitavolunteer

Individuals, school interns, or anyone interested in assisting with VITA can visit unitedwayswla.org/vita-volunteer or text the keyword VITAVOLUNTEER to 41444.

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About United Way Southwest Louisiana

United Way Southwest Louisiana mobilizes communities to action so all can thrive.

For more than 85 years, United Way Southwest Louisiana has partnered with local communities to co-create solutions to people's most pressing challenges. We take a comprehensive approach, listening and responding to local needs.

With our partners, United Way Southwest Louisiana creates pathways to better healthcare, education and job opportunities. Over 100,000 individuals receive the help they need each year to build the foundations for a brighter future.

As part of a global network of more than 1,000 United Ways, we help share innovations and scale impact to improve lives worldwide. Together, we're working towards a future where every person and community can rise.

To learn more, visit unitedwayswla.org and follow us on social media @UnitedWayofSWLA

- Operating in the TOP 9% of all U.S. United Ways. –TOP 125 out of 1185 United Ways!
- Maintains a 4-STAR charity rating with Charity Navigator and a PLATINUM SEAL OF TRANSPARENCY with Candid (formerly GuideStar)
- Mackenzie Scott Recipient (1^st year, member of the original #UNITEDWAY46)
- LEPA Award Winner 2022 from Governor’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness for Outstanding Service
- Weather-Ready Nation Ambassador from National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration