The Human Response Network (HRN) has been hosting the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program since 2005. That first tax season we were able to help 64 Trinity County residents e-file their taxes. Since then our program has expanded and we now average around 250 tax returns a season. The 2020 tax season will be our 16th year of providing a space for this valuable free service in our county.
HRN receives no grant funding to provide this service, and the program is only possible thanks to the commitment of community volunteers. VITA volunteers are provided office space in the Weaverville office, which includes all of the equipment and supplies necessary. Volunteers receive free training on how to prepare tax returns using TaxSlayer software. The training and tax preparation software is provided by the Internal Revenue Service.
Due to Covid-19, our VITA site had to adapt the program, by becoming a drop off and pick up site. Even with those changes, tax prep volunteers prepared 233 tax returns, which returned $369,490 in Tax Refund dollars to Trinity County residents. Volunteer tax preparation helps Americans claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit (CTC), federal tax benefits that help workers care for their families, withstand unexpected economic changes, and reduce poverty.
This year we will not be able to host the VITA program without volunteers to run it. Volunteers are needed to prepare tax returns, conduct quality reviews, and to be able to meet with clients for the drop off and pick up process.
If you are looking for a volunteer opportunity, WE NEED YOU.
We are seeking volunteers, willing to commit up to 16 hours per week, to provide tax preparation assistance for low-income families and seniors.
For more information, please contact, Jeanetta Trounday at (530) 623-2024. Volunteer applications, or questions about the program, can be emailed to: jtrounday@hrntrinity.org or dropped off at our business office, located at 111 Mountain View St. Weaverville CA 96093.
VITA Voluneer Duties Description:
Volunteer Application Form: