Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Do you champion economic justice? Are you good with numbers and computers? Do you want to help low-income people file returns and maximize their tax benefits? If so, you should consider joining the VITA program, a community service supported by our Social Justice Council.

Tax Preparers are trained in federal and MN taxes and devote 4 to 16 hours each week from Feb 1 to April 15 to meeting with taxpayers and preparing returns.  Orientation is in November and training takes place in December and January.  Greeters, who welcome taxpayers and get them ready to meet with Preparers, receive orientation and training in early January.

Last year 8 UU’s volunteered as Tax Preparers and 3 as Greeters and the program assisted over 4000 taxpayers. If you are interested in joining this challenging, fascinating, and rewarding program or have any questions about it, please contact  Kathy Brutinel for further information. You are also welcome to come to orientation and then decide if this is a good opportunity for you!

Having Your Taxes Prepared

FREE tax preparation and electronic filing is provided to taxpayers who have income under $80,000, who have disabilities, or who have limited English skills. Service is available at three major sites in Rochester (Salvation Army, 123 Live, and Bethel Lutheran Church), as well as Stewartville, Dodge County, and various senior facilities in Rochester and surrounding communities.

Even if you are not required to file an income tax return, refunds may be available on the federal and state income tax forms, as well as rent or property tax forms.

To schedule an appointment call the United Way at 211 beginning in early January.