Every year, United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA) helps thousands of qualified area residents by preparing and filing their income tax returns – completely free of charge.
How do we do it? It’s made possible thanks to the commitment of our community volunteers, who enthusiastically step up to help with an annual task that many of us dread.
UWCA’s Free Tax Preparation, part of the IRS-supervised VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, invites anyone interested in volunteering to register to become an IRS-Certified Volunteer Tax Preparer or Tax Greeter. Training for new and returning volunteers begins in mid-November to help new volunteers complete the IRS open-book certification for their volunteer role, and for Volunteer Tax Preparers to learn the tax software they will use.
New volunteers will be supported in their role by United Way staff and experienced volunteers, who respond to questions as they arise. Each tax return is reviewed by a second volunteer before the customer signs the return to ensure it is complete and accurate.
After training, volunteers should plan to serve at least 30 hours over the course of tax season. Schedules, however, are flexible; and volunteers can choose to commit to the days and times that work best for them.
Last tax season, our tax prep volunteers served 3,600 people and generated more than $2 million in tax refunds! To express your interest in becoming part of this valuable community service, or to register for a specific training, please click here.