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Volunteers Needed for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) in Taney County


FORSYTH, Mo. -- University of Missouri Extension looking for volunteers to provide free tax help for the 2022 tax season (2021 tax year) in Taney County.  Become a tax volunteer and make a difference in your community.

Jody LeMaster, Taney County VITA site coordinator, says, “Last year we helped over 1000 folks in our area with their federal and state taxes.  The more volunteers we have the more people we can serve, the more we can serve the more likely we will be able to receive grant funds to keep the program going.”

The IRS sponsors the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This program offers free tax help across the country for people with low-to-moderate incomes.

Here are six good reasons why you should consider becoming a VITA volunteer:

  • Flexible hours. We ask Volunteers to serve an average of four to six hours per week. Our program is usually open from the end of January through the tax filing deadline in April.
  • VITA sites are located in Branson and Forsyth need your help.
  • No prior experience needed. You’ll receive specialized training and can serve in a variety of roles. If you are fluent in another language, you may be able to help those who speak that language.
  • Free tax law training and materials. Learn how to prepare basic tax returns and learn about all the tax deductions and credits that benefit eligible taxpayers. User friendly program provided by the IRS.
  • Continuing education credits for tax pros. Enrolled Agents and non-credentialed tax return preparers can earn credits when volunteering as a VITA quality reviewer or tax return preparer.
  • There is always a site coordinator on hand to assist if you have questions.  

As a volunteer, you’ll join a program that’s helped millions of people nationwide file tax returns at no charge for more than 40 years. Your help will make a difference. It’s people helping people. It's that simple.

To find out more, call the University of Missouri Taney County Extension office at 417-546-4431 or email [email protected]. If you’d like to become a volunteer, you will need to submit your volunteer application, which we are happy to mail to you.

University of Missouri Extension programs focus on the high-priority needs of Missourians. Each county extension center, with oversight by locally elected and appointed citizens, is your local link to practical education on almost anything.

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