UTPA Volunteer Resource Program Seeks Volunteer Tax Preparers

Edinburg, TX September 13, 2005 – Working in conjunction with the Financial Literacy Task Force, Children’s Defense Fund, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the University of Texas-Pan American’s Volunteer Resource Program (VRP) is recruiting volunteers for the 2006 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Project to assist disadvantaged families with tax return services.

VITA, co-chaired by the Financial Literacy Task Force, Children's Defense Fund and the IRS, offers free individual tax preparation and electronic filing to people who cannot afford paid professional assistance. Volunteers help prepare basic tax returns for taxpayers with special needs, including persons with disabilities, non-English speaking persons and elderly taxpayers. Free income tax assistance is provided at community and neighborhood locations in the following Texas cities: Edinburg, McAllen, Mission, Pharr, San Juan and Alamo. The 2006 VITA will expand its outreach in rural communities across the Rio Grande Valley.

The VITA 2006 Campaign will emphasize the importance of Earned Income Tax Credits for clients. The Internal Revenue Service has stated that nearly 25% of eligible workers don’t know they can receive the Earned Income Tax Credit. This program will educate clients on what earned income is, how to get it and what to do with the extra money (if any) on their return.

Volunteers serving in this project may choose from several positions including: VITA Center Coordinators, advertising/marketing specialist, tax assisters/preparers, interpreters (English/Spanish/Sign Language) and receptionists. Most placements require a commitment from January to April of 2006. An orientation is slated for October 15, 2005, location to be determined.

These positions will be a great benefit for volunteers to learn and/or enhance their tax preparation, accounting, organizational, communication, and customer service skills. For students, the experience gained through volunteering will help build resumes for school and employment opportunities. High school and college student organizations like Business Professionals of America (BPA) and Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) can fulfill their community service goals by volunteering with the VITA project. For retirees, VITA is a great opportunity to use their experience and give back to the community.

The UTPA’s Volunteer Resource Program (VRP) is a new program that assists students and winter Texan retirees with finding a nonprofit organization to volunteer for. The VRP is currently recruiting volunteers interested in a variety of areas of service. Volunteers can pick from various opportunities available online at http://www.coserve.org/vrp/ or they can call (956) 292-7566 to set up an appointment. Exciting opportunities are available at libraries, hospitals and other community groups right now!

For more information on how you or your student organization can volunteer with the VRP, contact the Volunteer Coordinator, at 956/292-7566 or e-mail at volunteer@utpa.edu.