Do you like helping people? Then the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program sponsored by South County Community Action Agency in South Kingstown may be just what you’re looking for. The Internal Revenue Service promotes this program that involves volunteers helping community members who cannot afford professional tax assistance.

The VITA Program helps those with low-to-moderate incomes. Trained Volunteer Tax Preparers explain the many special credits and deductions and how people may claim them on their tax returns. Volunteers will help individuals complete and electronically file their returns – all for free.

Who are these volunteers? People just like you — college students, law students, homemakers, members of volunteer or community organizations, and businessmen and women. You name it. 

Volunteer Tax Preparers receive free instruction and all training and certification materials necessary to prepare basic income tax returns. Training and certification generally is conducted in December and the following January. Although this may seem like a long way away, now is the time to sign up. Training and certification is conducted at locations that are convenient for both instructors and volunteers.

If you or your organization wants to get involved and would like more information about the VITA, contact South County Community Action Agency at 789-3016 ext. 316.