NEW PHILADELPHIA - United Way of Tuscarawas County officials are seeking volunteer tax preparers to help low- to moderate-income residents prepare and file their 2019 income tax returns. 

Volunteer applications are currently being accepted for the organization's 2020 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program. No experience necessary as volunteer tax preparers will receive appropriate training and IRS Certification before the clinics begin in February.

VITA Site Coordinator Jack Dooling says volunteers gain valuable experience and many have gone on to find jobs preparing taxes. 

“This program is a great opportunity for anyone who wants to help residents file their taxes properly, including local college students in need of volunteer hours or professional networking,” he says. “Our participants will gain valuable tax preparation knowledge while helping local families get the maximum refund when they file."

Dooling says VITA volunteers are trained to identify credits often overlooked by other tax assistance programs, which yields higher returns and brings more money back to the community. 

"This money stimulates the local economy, plus helps people avoid the high cost of paid preparers and predatory lenders," he says.

Anyone interested in volunteering should contact United Way President Robin Waltz at 330-343-7772 or uwtc@neohio.twcbc.com.