Volunteers in Tax Assistance—Giving back through expertise

Saturday February 18^th was the first of 5 Saturdays of our new VITA program.  The first client who arrived said that last year she used a “free” commercial software program, only to discover it would cost $80 to file when she got to the end. On our first Saturday, we processed 16 tax returns and clients qualified for over $30,000 in federal and state refunds. We expect to help bring over $100,000 back to area families through the VITA program this year.

VITA volunteers are so dedicated!  They have trained for 8 hours and took several tests to get their certification, and yet they are just delighted to help others.  Englewood resident, Angela (right) is a VITA volunteer for the second year.  Last year she volunteered in Montclair, but is thrilled to help out closer to home.  Sanjukta is a first time VITA volunteer from Ridgewood.

Yaoyuan (left) moved to Hackensack from DC 4 months ago.  This talented CPA is delighted to help others.

Daniel (right) from Maywood is a first time volunteer, but is already committed to returning next year.  Tim is an experienced VITA volunteer from Lyndhurst.

And Bergen Volunteer Center Board Member, Rosemary Ervin might be a retired CPA, but she is staying active and involved by giving back to others.  She and Craig Eccles, VITA site coordinator, are helping a client bright and early on a Saturday.

VITA services will be offered every Saturday through March 18^th.  Call NJ211 for an appointment.

Learn more ways the Bergen Volunteer Center is giving back at bergenvolunteers.org.