United Way invites businesses and individuals to become part of VITA

This article is part of an ongoing United For Good series highlighting people, agencies, and programs the United Way of Bay County supports.

Volunteer tax preparers, start your calculators.

The United Way of Bay County needs both corporate sponsors and volunteer tax preparers for its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. 

The goal of the program – which pairs trained, professional volunteers with Bay County residents who meet income guidelines – is to ensure eligible people in our community receive the refunds and tax credits they’ve earned. 

The United Way relies on community support to realize that goal. Support comes in two different forms:

• Corporate sponsors are needed now, says Nicole Luczak, United Way of Bay County President and CEO. This is a new facet of the program, she adds.

“Previously, this program was funded by a grant through the IRS. That was lost this year, but since our board saw how critical this service is and how directly it aligns with our focus areas, they committed to continuing it,” Luczak says.

“With the short notice of funding announcements this year, we have added a sponsorship opportunity for businesses in our annual corporate sponsorship packet.”

Click here for the full sponsorship details on the United Way website.

“The sponsorship is unique in that corporate partners can provide direct funding, commit employee volunteer hours to be tax preparers for the program, or a combination of both,” she says. “As we move forward, we will explore other potential grant opportunities and funding sources.”

• VITA volunteers also are needed.

You don’t have to be a tax expert to be a VITA volunteer. The United Way of Bay County and the IRS provide training before the program opens.

The United Way started accepting applicants to the VITA program on Jan. 20. It fills up fast, so call 2-1-1 now if you want an appointment. 

VITA is open to Bay County residents making less than $69,000 a year as well as senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and retired veterans. 

The IRS suggests you bring a range of documents to your appointment. The full list is available online.