If you’re looking to help others this holiday season, the United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania wants you.
The organization is seeking hundreds of volunteers for its annual free tax preparation efforts.
Starting in January and running through mid-April, volunteers help individuals and families file their taxes for free, assisting those who qualify in getting the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credits, which can lead to substantial refunds for some low-income working families.
The free service also aims to help people avoid for-profit tax preparers who charge high fees or who offer high-interest loans.
“No hidden costs, no hidden fees. They get to keep all of the money that they've worked for and earned over the year,” said Alena Anderson, director of Moving Toward Financial Stability at United Way.
No previous accounting or tax preparation experience is needed; volunteers will complete an IRS-required training.
“You need no experience, you just need time,” Anderson said. Training usually takes place in January. Volunteering is about a three-hour commitment during tax season, once a week at one of the designated tax preparation sites.
Last year, 280 volunteers prepared nearly 8,000 returns, saving families more than $2 million in tax prep fees and generated $10.6 million in refunds.
United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania’s free tax prep program serves Allegheny, Fayette, Greene, Washington, and Westmoreland counties.
More information is available at swpafreetaxes.org.
