Volunteers sought for tax-assistance program

United Way of East Central Iowa is seeking folks to participate in its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free tax preparation services to income-eligible individuals and families.

The volunteers help participants claim valuable tax credits. 

“Having this service close to home for Jones County residents over the past several years saves residents a commute and, in the process, saves additional dollars,” said Leanna Husmann, senior coordinator of community resource and volunteer engagement for UWECI. 

VITA will run from February to April with two sites in Monticello. 

Volunteer duties include: tax preparers, who will prepare basic tax returns; greeters, who will welcome clients and prepare them for appointments, and intake specialists, who will meet with clients to review their tax information. 

Those interested in volunteering can learn more and sign up at uweci.org/volunteervita.

“This program is much needed in this community, and it helps people save money,” said Betty Jordan, a program volunteer. “I volunteer because I get a chance to help people and meet good people.”