Making an impact: Local volunteers help individuals in need file their taxes for free
Doing your taxes can often be intimidating, and even expensive. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA ) knows this. That is why each year the organizations work together with the support of a dedicated group of volunteers and site sponsors to help members of the community complete their taxes free of charge.
The VITA program is sponsored by Salvation Army and 125 Live, along with additional support from United Way of Olmsted County. The tax assistance program has been operating in this area for more than 25 years and was formerly known as AARP Foundation Tax - Aide.
“I think taxes scare people, so it feels good to help people in an area that otherwise they are nervous about.” explains David Oeth, a retired accountant who now volunteers his time through the tax help service.
With assistance from IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, thousands of people in Olmsted, Dodge and Fillmore Counties are able to get their taxes filed annually at no cost. Volunteers describe the best moments as being when they can tell someone they are getting a refund, or owe less than they anticipated.
The impact can be especially profound on people with low or moderate incomes.
“The program helps people who otherwise might not be able to afford the cost of paid preparers. ” says Grace Huang, a certified public accountant who donates time to the free tax prep service. “That is why I contribute.”
To be as accessible as possible, volunteers set up shop at seven different sites in Olmsted, Dodge and Fillmore Counties; the three largest being 125 LIVE, the Hawthorne Education Center, and the Salvation Army. They also conduct outreach at various senior living centers. In the event there is a language barrier, VITA works closely with the Intercultural Mutual Assistance Association and United Way of Olmsted County to find an interpreter.
The program would not be effective without the contributions of all of these program partners, says Oeth. The tax service would also not be possible without resources provided by a grant from the state of Minnesota.
(Note: The VITA program was not immune to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic with the 2019 tax return season suspended in March 2020, and the 2020 tax return season conducted on a drop-off method that minimized face-to-face meetings with taxpayers and volunteers. The program hopes to be back operating in-person for the 2021 tax returns, but will monitor developments in this area.)
Becoming a volunteer
While both Grace and David have professional experience in the industry, that is not the norm. In fact, most volunteers do not have experience in tax preparation prior to taking the required 40-hour training course. They are often college students, retirees, stay-at-home parents, or professionals in other industries.
That is not to say this far-ranging group has nothing in common. The volunteers we spoke with all say they enjoy working with numbers, giving back to the community, and most of all, meeting new people.
“It has been enlightening, because I am not exposed to a lot of other cultures as much,” says Mary Ellen Dreher, a nurse anesthetist who moonlights as a tax prep volunteer. “And so, it’s eye-opening and educational to meet people who don’t fit in your little box that you live in.”
Barbara Parks, a volunteer for more than 25 years, agrees. She has given her time to numerous organizations over the years, and says interacting with new people is a big part of why she stays involved in the program.
During a single session, Barb says she can sometimes help with up to 40 clients.
“We get to meet so many people,” she says. “We’re almost as good as the mayor.”
Barbara Parks has been volunteering as a tax preparer for more than 25 years.
That sense of camaraderie extends beyond their interactions with clients. Many of the volunteers we spoke with say they have formed friendships as a result of working in the program.
In addition to making the work more enjoyable, those relationships among volunteers can contribute to a sense of collaboration and teamwork — helping deliver better results for the clients they are serving.
“We are able to bounce questions and look for guidance from other people,” explains volunteer Leah Palen. “It’s just a great community of people to work with.”
Right now, there are about 90 volunteers who give their time as tax preparers. However, with hundreds of people left on the waitlist each year, the program is always looking for more. If you are interested in contributing your time, you can email RochesterTaxVolunteers@gmail.com or visit the program’s website. In addition to becoming a tax-preparer, there are other volunteer opportunities to consider, such as scheduling appointments or checking clients in at the door. Training will start in early December so now is the time to get involved.
Need help with your taxes?
If you need help with your taxes, call the United Way referral number 2-1-1 (or 800-543-7709) or schedule your own appointment online. Appointments are generally taken from Jan. 16 through April 1.
This story (written in 2019 and updated in 2021) was published in partnership with VITA volunteers and funded thought state of Minnesota grants obtained by program sponsors 125 LIVE and the Salvation Army.
