NASHUA, NH – IRS-certified volunteers are the unsung heroes of tax filing season. Every year, they step up to help taxpayers successfully file their tax returns. Anyone who wants to make a difference in their community, learn about tax preparation and earn continuing education credits should consider volunteering.
Last year alone, 35 volunteers with VITA in the Greater Nashua area prepared over 1,000 free tax returns which yielded over $1 million in tax refunds for our community at the 4 tax preparation sites in Nashua and Hudson.
Volunteers are now being sought to provide tax preparation services in Nashua and Hudson through the annual program sponsored by United Way of Greater Nashua. They are needed to fill a variety of roles beyond tax preparation including interpreters, greeters, quality reviewers, marketing specialists, instructors, and computer specialists.
Once trained, volunteers will prepare taxes at the United Way office and Nashua Senior Activity Center in Nashua and Rodgers Memorial Library and the Hudson Senior Center in Hudson. The Hudson Senior Center will offer drop-off tax preparation services and volunteers will then prepare returns remotely.
Sites will be open from late January through the tax filing deadline in April.
Tax preparation services are provided in two IRS volunteer programs. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs both offer free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals. While the IRS manages the VITA and TCE programs, the VITA/TCE sites are operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers.
VITA offers free help to people who generally earn $60,000 or less, people with disabilities and limited English-speaking taxpayers. TCE is mainly for people age 60 or older and specializes in tax issues unique to seniors.
Volunteering is easy and convenient.
- Volunteers can work flexible hours. Volunteers can generally choose their own hours and days to volunteer.
- No prior experience needed. Volunteers receive specialized training to become IRS certified. They can also choose their volunteer role. VITA and TCE programs include volunteers of all backgrounds and ages as well as individuals who are fluent in other languages.
- The IRS provides free tax law training and materials. Volunteers receive training materials at no charge. The tax law training covers how to prepare basic federal tax returns electronically. The training also covers tax topics such as deductions and credits.
- Tax pros can earn continuing education credits. Enrolled agents and non-credentialed tax return preparers can earn continuing education credits when volunteering as a VITA or TCE instructor, quality reviewer or tax return preparer.
United Way of Greater Nashua would like to thank the sponsors for the VITA tax preparation program, Granite United Way, the IRS, and Citizen’s Bank Charitable Foundation.
For more information about becoming a volunteer in the 2024 tax preparation season, email VITA-Hudson@comcast.net.
United Way of Greater Nashua is an independent 510(c)3 nonprofit founded in 1929 to serve the residents of Greater Nashua. Its mission is to fight for the health, education, and financial stability of every person in every community. United Way of Greater Nashua has received GuideStar and Charity Navigator’s top ratings for accountability, transparency, and financial management. For more information or to get involved as a donor or volunteer, please email United Way of Greater Nashua at info@unitedwaynashua.org or visit their website at www.unitedwaynashua.org.