Valley VITA needs volunteers for upcoming tax season

Valley VITA is a United Way of Greater Augusta Tax Program that utilizes volunteers to prepare taxes, at no charge, for residents of Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County whose household income is less than $56,000 a year.

Last year, thanks to the dedicated group of volunteers, Valley VITA was able to prepare almost 1,100 tax returns. Saving the community more than $200,000 in just filing fees alone.

All Tax Preparer volunteers receive training and get certified by the IRS to prepare taxes, no prior tax knowledge or experience is necessary. VITA staff is also available to provide support and guidance throughout the tax season. We also need volunteers that will not prepare or answer questions about taxes.

Community members that are interested in this program are invited to attend our VITA Volunteer Social on Wednesday, December 19th 5pm-7pm at the United Way offices on 24 Idlewood Blvd in Staunton. A brief presentation will be provided by the VITA Program Director and Director of Community Impact, Nadina Pupic.  After the presentation, attendees will be able to participate in a relaxed discussion about the program and our volunteer needs.

Valley VITA season kicks off on Tuesday, February 5th and will wrap up on Thursday, April 11th. We currently prepare taxes at 4 different locations every week.

• Tuesdays at United Way of Greater Augusta office in Staunton 10am-2pm
• Stuarts Draft High School in Stuarts Draft 5pm-8pm
• Thursdays at Booker T Washington Center in Staunton 10am-2pm & 4pm-8pm

For additional information, contact Nadina Pupic at [email protected].

About United Way of Greater Augusta

United Way of Greater Augusta is part of a national network of more than 1,300 locally governed organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and people’s lives. Building on more than a century of service as the nation’s preeminent community-based fundraiser, United Way engages the community to identify the underlying causes of the most significant local issues, develops strategies and pulls together financial and human resources to address them, and measures the results. United Way of Greater Augusta tackle issues based on local needs.  Common focus areas include helping children and youth succeed, improving access to health care, promoting self-sufficiency, and strengthening families. For more information about United Way of Greater Augusta, please visit: www.unitedwayga.org.