United Way looking for free tax prep program volunteers
Online certification and in-class training offered for tax preparers
United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area, in partnership with The Mohawk Valley Asset-Building Coalition, is dedicated to helping low-income individuals and families in Oneida and Herkimer counties become financially self-sufficient by offering free tax preparation services.
Having a personal safety net is important and by helping families save money, United Way and partners are offering solutions that move people towards financial independence and a better quality of life.
The Free Tax Prep program offers free tax help to people living in Oneida and Herkimer counties who make $54,000 or less annually. IRS-certified volunteers provide free basic income tax return preparation with electronic filling for taxpayers from eligible households. Tax prep sites accommodate people with disabilities and interpreting for limited English speakers is available.
Last tax season, volunteers helped individuals and families claim more than $2,400,000.00 back into the local economy.
Experience is not required for individuals looking to volunteer as a free tax preparer but certification is a necessity. Free training classes are being offered at Mohawk Valley Community College’s Utica and Rome campuses beginning on November 14th. Volunteers must complete 8 2-hour classes to become certified. Individuals with a background of tax preparation may apply for certification online as an alternative to class participation.
UWVGUA’s Free Tax Prep program allows volunteers to give back to their local community, learn valuable skills, build their resumes, earn Continuing Education Credits and help boost the local economy.
Hours are flexible and require only a short-term commitment of 10 hours per volunteer during tax season. Location sites will be announced soon and reopen at the beginning of the 2019 tax season.
Those wishing to volunteer as tax preparers for UWVGUA’s Free Tax Prep program are encouraged to contact Kristen Synakowski, Financial Services Administrator of UWVGUA, at (315) 733-4691, ext. 234 or email KristenS@unitedwayvgu.org. Individuals can also register online by visiting United Way of the Valley & Greater Utica Area’s website: www.unitedwayvgu.org/freetaxprep.