VITA Volunteer

VITAImagine helping someone put food on the table or saving someone from a mortgage foreclosure.

VITA volunteers help working individuals and families keep their hard-earned money. This past year, volunteers prepared approximately 4,955 tax returns for individuals and families in your area. Refunds to those using this free service totaled nearly $4.3 million dollars!

An emphasis is placed on helping eligible taxpayers receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and not spend unnecessary income on tax preparation and expensive refund advance loans each year.

United Way Southwest Louisiana is recruiting volunteers to serve as tax preparers, greeters, and site coordinators at sites throughout Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron and Jeff Davis parishes. Flexible hours and locations are available.

Income Tax Assistance Volunteer

As a trained tax preparer, volunteers will assist qualified clients by preparing simple tax returns. 

All volunteers receive FREE comprehensive training and certification in partnership with the IRS. No experience is necessary. Volunteers receive the materials for self-study on basic income tax law for federal returns.

In addition, several specific training sessions will take place beginning in November through early January prior to the kickoff of tax season. Volunteers are covered under the Volunteer Protection Act and are not accountable for tax returns filed to the IRS.

VITA VOLUNTEER IRS CERTIFICATION TRAINING

Dates are TBA

Become A Trained Tax Preparer

vita volunteerWe are currently seeking volunteers for the following positions:

Volunteer Tax Preparers help individuals and families prepare their tax returns and ensure all eligible taxpayers receive their qualifying tax credits.

Volunteer Greeters welcome VITA participants to the site and ensure that they are prepared with all required documentation to meet with the tax preparer.

Volunteer Site Coordinators/Quality Reviewers manage the operations of the United Way VITA site, including volunteer staff and quality control.

Benefits of Volunteering

  • Engage in meaningful volunteer work for people who are truly grateful for your assistance.
  • Free Training and flexible hours
  • Gain valuable and marketable skills (Looks great on a résumé)
  • Returning volunteers have opportunities for leadership roles or advanced training

Questions – Contact Kimberlie Heckard at 337-433-1088 ext: 210 or by emailing us!

 

Liability Release: I hereby release and hold harmless United Way of Southwest Louisiana, the agency where I volunteer, and sponsors and supervisors of all activities, from any and all liability for any injury I may suffer (including any injury caused by negligence) in conjunction with the volunteer activity. I also certify that I am in good health and able to participate in the program activities. I certify that I am 18 years of age or older and am competent to contract my name as far as the above is concerned. I have read the foregoing release, authorization and agreement, before affixing my initials below and warrant that I fully understand the contents thereof.

Communications Release: I hereby waive any claim to the rights of photographic recordings made of me during United Way of Southwest Louisiana's volunteer activity. I hereby authorize the editing, duplication, reproduction, copyright, exhibition, broadcast and/or non-profit use and distribution of said recordings for purposes deemed suitable by United Way of Southwest Louisiana. I hereby waive any right to approve the finished products. I certify that I am 18 years of age or older and am competent to contract my own name as far as the above is concerned. I have read the foregoing release, authorization and agreement, by accepting I fully understand the contents thereof.

COVID-19 AGREEMENT & WAIVER

I understand that United Way of Southwest Louisiana is a trusted, community organization committed to serving people in need; therefore, I attest that I am not experiencing any symptoms of illness such as a fever or cough. Furthermore, I aware that I am expected to adhere to the safety and hygiene protocols that have been implemented by United Way of Southwest Louisiana including but not limited to Washing hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially before and after your volunteer shift, blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing. • If soap and water are not readily available, I agree to use provided hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or use the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze and to throw used tissues in the trash. • Waving to friends or acquaintances rather than hugging or hand shaking.

I agree on behalf of myself, my child, my heirs, successors, and assigns, to hold harmless and defend United Way of Southwest Louisiana, its board of directors, employees, volunteers, chaperones or representatives associated with the event, arising from or in connection with my Volunteer Services Program or in connection with any illness or injury or cost of medical treatment in connection therewith.

United Way of Southwest Louisiana does not endorse any political party or candidate therefore no political attire may be worn during the time of volunteering to limit confusion by other volunteers and the clients receiving our services.