Tax season is coming, and Benefits in Action is looking for tax volunteers to help low-income individuals file their taxes. Do you have an interest in learning more about tax preparation? If so, please continue reading this article.
Benefits in Action traditionally operates as a seasonal VITA site under the umbrella of Tax Help Colorado during the peak tax season, normally between late-January and mid-April. Last tax year, we filed 607 individual federal and state tax returns. Our clients received $877,921 in federal and state refunds. Not bad. However, we couldn’t have done it without volunteer support.
Our tax volunteers come in all shapes and sizes. They have varying different backgrounds, and we provide the training. That’s right. You don’t need any experience to volunteer for the Benefits in Action tax program. All we ask is that you take the training, pass the IRS certification, and volunteer once a week for four hours during tax season. You don’t even need to do the actual mathematical calculations. Our TaxSlayer software takes care of that for you.
So, what is it like to work as a volunteer? Being a volunteer involves working to your strengths and developing your own potential while helping our organization flourish. This takes many forms, in this case providing in-person pro bono tax filing services. It can be arduous at times, but it feels good. Knowing that you are making a positive contribution to someone’s life provides meaning and purpose that may otherwise be elusive.
What does it take to become a volunteer? Honestly, not much other than a drive and willingness to make a difference in your community. Plus, volunteering is very important. Many individuals do not even know of the tax credits and refunds for which they may be eligible or have misguided beliefs about taxes perpetuated by popular culture. These are gaps in our social safety net that you can help fill.
Speaking of refunds and credits, some of the ones that are available to Coloradans this upcoming tax year include the TABOR refund, the Senior Housing Credit, the Family Affordability Tax Credit, and the expanded Colorado Earned Income Tax Credit. Many of you might be familiar with TABOR, but the Family Affordability Tax Credit is new. It is a refundable (meaning payable even if you have no tax liability) credit for certain families. It can give families up to $3,200. Now that’s some serious money in your pocket.
Are you interested in volunteering with the Benefits in Action tax program? If so, please email our Director of Volunteers, Miriam Wilch, at mwilch@benefitsinaction.org for more information about the program and the onboarding process. Feel free to ask about and attend our tax trainings as well if you want more information before committing to the program. Trainings begin this November!
Submitted by: Eric Gonzalez, Tax Site Coordinator & Manager of Financial Programs