WWU Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program seeks volunteers

Volunteers are being sought to assist in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at Western Washington University this winter.

The VITA program, which helps low- and moderate-income taxpayers prepare their tax returns, is sponsored by WWU’s Beta Alpha Psi and Accounting Society and staffed by students from Western, Whatcom Community College and community volunteers. New volunteers are always needed, and no prior tax experience is necessary, as training is provided.

The free VITA training is a combination of self-study, online training and in-class training. The training materials may be picked up at WWU in early December. VITA coordinators will send volunteers information on materials pick up times and locations after online registration has been completed, as well as links and instructions for online training. The in-class training is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, and Saturday, Jan. 21, at Western. The in-class training will include computerized tax preparation training and VITA procedural training. After the training is completed, volunteers will need to pass the required (open book) online VITA tests and then will be able to assist members of the public.

VITA volunteers and trainees will offer free tax assistance at WWU's Parks Hall and WCC's Heiner Library from early February to April 15.

Volunteer information and an online signup form are available on the WWU Beta Alpha Psi website. For more information, contact Bryan Rohde, WWU VITA co-coordinator, at vita.wwu.bap@gmail.com.