Nearly all individuals employed in the United States are required to file a tax return each year. Although this applies to most working adults, the obligation to file depends on factors such as gross income, age and filing status. In general, whether you must submit a federal income tax return is determined primarily by your gross income. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) establishes minimum income thresholds, which are updated annually.
Of those 160-plus million, more than 2.7 million are filed by volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is operated here in Southwest Florida by United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades.
VITA is a free tax preparation program that helps eligible households meet their basic needs and build financial assets. Residents with a household income of $70,000 or less can have their federal tax returns prepared and e-filed at no cost through the VITA program. IRS-certified United Way volunteers prepare returns and determine eligibility for tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and childcare credits.
Tax preparers also determine whether taxpayers qualify for other tax breaks designed to assist lower to middle income individuals.
I have had the opportunity to volunteer with VITA since the fall of 2024. As a student at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU), I attended an event on campus that was geared towards accounting. Accounting related organizations attend and give students the opportunity to seek paid internships, co-ops and full-time post-graduation employment.
Following the event, I was approved to volunteer as a tax preparer by United Way. After going through a two- to three-month training and certification process that discussed standards of conduct, ethics and basic questions for assessing an individual’s tax situation, I was certified as an IRS tax preparer.
I’ve seen firsthand the impact the program has on individuals and the community. VITA not only provides free tax-preparation to those who need it, but also helps volunteers build strong foundations in communication, professionalism, leadership and technical skills.
What stands out to me most are the people I’ve worked with and the people I’ve helped. We are there for the same reason: to make a difference in the community. When people come to VITA, they’ll have a tax situation that they don’t know how to handle. VITA is this outstanding resource that’s here for them. We’re here to get them the credits that they have earned and deserve and otherwise would not be benefiting from if this resource wasn’t here.
I’ve spoken with individuals at VITA’s FGCU campus site that were unaware of the education credits they could be claiming as college students. It’s rewarding knowing you’ve made a difference when you get to the end of the day, and you see the refunds you’ve been able to get for students or lower income families. Even if it’s an amount that they owe, you know that you’re saving them hundreds of dollars in preparation fees.
There is an ongoing need for VITA in Southwest Florida. Many families just don’t realize the money they are owed, and that’s where VITA’s preparers do a great job of educating the families regarding this money.
A perfect example is a family of five I worked with last year. They were in a difficult financial situation and uncertain about filing a tax return. I was able to explain the benefits and need to file. Ultimately, I secured them a $10,000 refund, and they didn’t have to pay any preparation fees they would have incurred at a tax service or an accountant.
Volunteering with VITA has given me the opportunity to get real-world experience while making an impact in my community. I hope to encourage more people to volunteer with VITA, as it has been a life-changing experience for me.
Tristan Weeks is a recent graduate of Florida Gulf Coast University. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in accounting and plans to pursue a career in auditing.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance a benefit for all involved | Opinion
Reporting by Tristan Weeks / Naples Daily News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Tristan Weeks | USA TODAY Network
