Volunteers training now for free tax preparation program

The Delaware Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition announced its volunteer recruitment efforts for the 2020 tax season.

Volunteers serving as tax preparers, financial navigators, greeters and Spanish interpreters are needed to staff the eight Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites statewide.

Volunteers welcome clients, conduct client intake, prepare federal and state tax returns, and coordinate other services offered to the public through the tax sites such as financial education seminars, opening bank accounts and credit reporting. Volunteer tax preparers take a thorough training course with classes being held through early February 2020 and must pass certification tests to complete tax returns.

Financial navigators and greeters attend training as well.

In the last 17 years, the VITA program has returned over $36 million of value to the community through saved tax preparation fees and $262 million in refunds generated. More than 5,400 volunteers have participated in that time.

“While several of our volunteers return each year, we always need more people willing to volunteer. The EITC Coalition is a volunteer-driven program, and we depend on an individual’s willingness to give of their time so our services can remain free for those who need them the most,” said Aruku Davis, tax campaign director.

Volunteers are not required to have any prior tax preparation training or experience. The coalition’s training program is in-depth and all-inclusive. A targeted 16-hour time commitment per month is all that is required after the training period, which equal 11 shifts for the tax season. VITA sites will be open through Wednesday, April 15.

For more information for those interested in helping families save money at tax time, call 302-655-0803 or go to www.nehemiahgateway.org and choose Volunteer Now.