VITA Free Tax Prep Program

CommunityGeneral News ArticleHuman InterestPress Release

 

Contact: Trina Woods
Executive Director
Phone: (740) 345-1970
Fax: (740) 345-8826		 P.O. Box 613
Newark, OH 43058-0613
Phone: (740)345-1970
www.lcchousing.org		 Licking County Coalition for Housing
Press Release
LCCH recruiting volunteer tax preparers.
 
The Licking County Coalition for Housing (LCCH) offers free tax preparation through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). The VITA program uses IRS-certified volunteers to prepare and e-file federal, state and school district tax returns for income-eligible citizens, at no cost to them.
 
LCCH is looking for volunteers to help with the 2025 tax filing season.  Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one 4-hour session per week, for the 11 week filing season. The key skills required are: a basic understanding of the tax filing process, familiarity with computers and the ability to relate to clients.  Intake volunteers are required to pass an IRS ethics test.  Tax preparers are required to pass an IRS certification test at either the basic or advanced level.  LCCH will provide tax law and software training during the month of January.  The filing season will begin the last week of January and run through April 14.  Volunteers will be able to choose the site location and volunteer shift that best fit their schedule.  Both drop-off and in-person preparation styles will be used this year, and COVID-19 safety practices will be in effect.
 
LCCH will be holding a VITA volunteer Kick Off event on Thursday December 4 at the LCCH Licking County Library (101 West Main St, Newark), to explain the program and distribute training materials.  The meeting begins at 5:30 PM and dinner will be provided.  Plan to attend if you are interested in learning more about this fulfilling volunteer opportunity. RSVP required.  To request more information or to RSVP for the dinner, contact Kathy Scott (email: kscott@lcchousing.org or phone: 740-345-1970 ext 229).
 
LCCH has been offering VITA services since 2006.  Last year, 1,479 tax returns were prepared, helping VITA clients to collect $2,358,574 in Federal and State refunds.
 

VITA Free Tax Prep Program