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Tax preparers, interpreters and greeters are being sought again for the United Way of Lee, Hendry, and Glades Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for the 2022 tax season.

Volunteer Engagement and VITA Manager Mary Meador said last year Lehigh Acres had 19 volunteers who helped file more than 1,400 federal tax returns, resulting in a $2.5 million impact to the community between tax-preparation fees they saved taxpayers and the federal tax refunds and credits brought back to Lehigh through the United Way VITA program.

Although volunteers of all ages and levels of experience are welcome to partake in the program, volunteers comfortable working with a computer are preferred.

This year they are in search of bilingual tax preparers, and/or interpreters.

“We really need bilingual tax preparers and/or interpreters to ensure that our Spanish speakers’ tax returns get processed completely and accurately,” she said. “We want all of our clients and tax preparers to be able to communicate clearly and openly between each other — make sure all questions, answers, and information is shared and understood, and to be able to explain the results of the tax return.”

Volunteers, who can have flexible hours January through April, will receive IRS certified training. The training will teach them how to prepare basic tax returns, using online tax preparation software, as well as learn about tax deductions and earned income tax credits that benefit eligible taxpayers. Experienced agents, certified financial planners and non-credentialed tax return prepares can earn continuing education credits as a VITA tax prepare volunteer.

Online orientations and training classes for new volunteers will be held in December. A few in-person classes will be held as well. An online training and certification tool is also available for tax professionals, or experienced volunteers.

Those interested can register at https://unitedwaylee.org/vita-volunteer/, or contact Meador at MaryM@UnitedWayLee.org, or by calling 239-433-7206.

VITA sites provide free tax preparation to individuals and families earning less than $66,000 per year through its IRS certified volunteer tax preparers.