Imagine
the difference an extra $2,300 can make for a struggling family. That is
the amount of the average Earned Income Tax Credit
(EITC) earned by families in New Jersey. Now consider the fact that NJ has the
8th lowest EITC participation rate among the 50 states in the United States,
with nearly 23% of eligible families leaving money on the table by forgoing EITC. You can help low-income families claim EITC
and other eligible tax returns as a volunteer tax preparer through the
IRS-sponsored Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
You don’t
have to be a math whiz, a computer genius, or have any prior accounting
experience to become a VITA volunteer.
The Bergen Volunteer Center will provide you with the training you’ll
need to have a rewarding experience, as you work one on one with people in our
community. Free income tax preparation
is available through the VITA program to ensure hardworking families take
advantage of all Earned Income and Child Tax Credits, leading to larger refunds
and nearly immediate extra cash. Not
only will you be making a difference in our community, you will also obtain a valuable
life skill while gaining a resume building experience.
In January, we will hold free training sessions to help you
become certified VITA preparers. Training's will take place over two Saturdays, January 21st and 28th,
from 9 am to 4 pm. Tax preparation sessions
will occur across four Saturdays- 2/11, 2/18, 2/25, and 3/4- from 9 am to 1
pm. All training's and preparation
sessions will be held at the Bergen Volunteer Center (64 Passaic Street,
Hackensack).
For more information on how you can become a VITA volunteer,
contact Soojin Son at 201-489-9456 or sson@bergenvolunteers.org.
