VAT and VITA volunteers needed for 2023-24

Oct. 12, 2023 (Racine, WI) — United Way of Racine County is currently looking for community members to serve on Volunteer Advisory Teams (VAT) and volunteer with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VAT volunteers support United Way of Racine County’s annual community investment process by evaluating program proposals, making funding recommendations and reviewing data to monitor program outcomes. VAT team members are a critical part of the competitive grant process that funds proposals for programs that support United Way’s focus areas of health, education, financial stability and essential services. VAT volunteers must live or work in Racine County and be available to attend meetings virtually or in person during the February to May review cycle, with occasional commitments between June and January. Meetings typically begin at 4 p.m. and usually last until 5:30 p.m. The total time commitment for each year is approximately 30 hours, and volunteers are asked to make a minimum commitment of two years.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is a national program staffed by local IRS-certified volunteers that provides free preparation and electronic filing of tax returns. Services are provided for low-to-moderate income and limited English-speaking Racine County residents. Volunteers do not need to become IRS-certified or do any tax work to support VITA. There are many different types of volunteer positions available, including:=

• Greeters to welcome clients to the site and ensure they have all the correct documentation needed to begin the tax preparation process.
• Tax preparers to prepare state and federal tax returns. Bilingual preparers are especially needed.
• Quality reviewers to review the finished return to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Interpreters who are Spanish/English bilingual to assist with translations.

During the 2024 tax season, volunteers will have the option to volunteer virtually or in-person at select VITA sites. Virtual volunteers must have secure internet access. Volunteers must commit to at least one shift per week during tax season (end of January through early April). Volunteers must pass an IRS certification exam if working directly with taxes. Roles such as intake specialists and greeters require no IRS certification. All positions require no previous experience to volunteer. Training is offered in both self-paced and instructor-taught formats and is designed to ensure volunteers are prepared to obtain certification and successfully complete tax returns. VITA applications will close on Dec. 17, 2023.

United Way of Racine County relies on the dedication of volunteers to help run programming and create impact in the Racine County community.

“When you volunteer with VITA or join a VAT, you are utilizing your talents to serve our community,” said Ali Haigh, president and CEO of United Way Racine County. “It’s a great way to get involved and make a difference.”=

To volunteer for either of these opportunities, visit: UnitedWayRacine.org/Volunteer.