Become a Step Up Suncoast VITA Volunteer!

Description

Learn more about what it takes to be a Step Up Suncoast VITA Volunteer at our next VITA Social Hour! This is your chance to meet VITA program staff, connect with past volunteers, and ask questions. 

Step Up Suncoast is calling on community members to make a difference this upcoming tax season by volunteering with its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. We are now recruiting volunteers to help provide free, high-quality tax preparation services to low- and moderate-income individuals and families across Manatee County.
No prior tax experience is required. All volunteers receive comprehensive training and certification to ensure they feel confident and supported in their role. Opportunities are available for a variety of tasks, including acting as greeters, tax preparers, reviewers, and site coordinators.

The program welcomes both individual volunteers looking to connect with others and organizations that want to serve together. Businesses and community partners may also volunteer their office or facility to act as a tax filing site during the season. Sites receive considerable foot traffic during tax preparation hours. Each site is typically open for a four-hour period, one to two days during the week.

Volunteers must be 18 years or older and able to commit to at least one four-hour shift per week during tax season, which runs February through mid-April.

“VITA is a wonderful way for people to give back in a meaningful way,” said Amy Yount, President and Chief Executive Officer of Step Up Suncoast, Inc. “Every volunteer helps strengthen our community and puts more money back into the hands of working families.”

Last year alone, Step Up Suncoast’s VITA volunteers prepared and filed 1,382 returns to help return over one million dollars in tax refunds to families in Manatee County. These funds go directly back into the local economy.