Please consider helping our community members by improving their financial stability. Last year we prepared more than 1,400 free tax returns for those in need of assistance in Fort Collins. Our clients were extremely grateful, and you will find the volunteer work very satisfying.
The IRS’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (“VITA”) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals, including:
- People who generally make $65,000 or less
- People 60 years of age and older
- People with disabilities; and
- Limited English-speaking taxpayers
While the IRS manages the VITA program, four Fort Collins VITA sites and one in Windsor are operated by Realities Focus, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and are staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their community. Realities Focus, Inc. receives IRS grants which pay for printers, paper, computers, and supplies needed to prepare tax returns.
In 2024, VITA volunteers will prepare returns from February 1 to April 15. Most volunteers work two 4-hour shifts per week, but one shift a week is also possible, and we schedule staffing around planned vacations and time off. We have some Spanish speaking volunteers, so volunteers do not need to be bilingual.
No experience is necessary, and training is provided in December and January. If you are comfortable using a computer and are detail oriented, you will enjoy working with our clients preparing their tax returns. There are also important volunteer roles for those who are less computer savvy, including greeters, intake specialists and administrative site roles. No matter what role you choose, you will be providing a much needed and appreciated service and will find the volunteer work incredibly gratifying.
Please call or email our Board member, Barbara Walton if you are interested and would like to learn more.
Her contact information is:
E-mail: barbarawalton@me.com
Phone Number: 214-546-3470
