CSET Recruiting Volunteers for Free Tax Assistance Program (VITA)

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Community Services Employment Training (CSET) is recruiting local volunteers to assist with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA provides tax preparation and electronic filing services at no cost to Tulare County households with less than $58,000 annual income. In 2022, VITA preparers helped file 3,281 tax returns for low- and moderate-income residents, returning more than $5.3 million to Tulare and Kings County residents. For the 2023 VITA tax season, approximately 100 volunteers will be needed to serve as IRS certified tax preparers. 

“CSET is looking forward to implementing VITA as a combination walk-in and drop-off tax preparation service for the 2023 tax season – a convenient and safe way to get your taxes done,” said VITA Director Jerel Dutton. “We are excited to provide this important service for the 15th consecutive year to Kings and Tulare County residents.” 

No prior experience is necessary to become a VITA volunteer. With your assistance, local families in Tulare County will be informed about eligible cash-back tax credits, such as the state and federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Retired financial professionals, as well as adults and high school youth exploring careers in the finance industry would serve as excellent volunteers. Bilingual volunteers are highly needed for this upcoming tax season.

CSET’s VITA program will conduct volunteer training online for the 2023 tax season. Tax preparation drop-off services will be offered to the public beginning February 2023. VITA volunteers will be providing tax preparation services in five primary locations: Earlimart, Orosi, Porterville, Tulare and Visalia. 

For more information and to apply online, visit www.cset.org/vita. 

Interested volunteers may also contact the following CSET staff for more information: 
Jerel Dutton | (559) 372-0411 | Jerel.Dutton@cset.org
Rocio Duran | (559) 741-4676 | Rocio.Duran@cset.org

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