West Palm Beach residents in need of tax assistance this coming season can look towards the United Way of Palm Beach County's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, celebrating two decades of service and actively seeking volunteers to support local families. The service is crucial for households earning $75,000 or less, providing free tax preparation that is otherwise a financial burden to many.
As part of its community service, the United Way, alongside partners including the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), requires 200 volunteers to man VITA sites from Boca Raton to Jupiter and locations extending west to Belle Glade, according to the organization’s announcement. With an expansive reach across Palm Beach County, discerning taxpayers have saved over $1.6 million in fees that, had they opted for private tax preparation services, they'd have paid, and the program is known for fueling the local economy and providing taxpayers with refunds that often go towards achieving financial stability.
Last year, these efforts led to over $2.8 million in earned income tax credits and $9.6 million in total tax refunds for over 8,000 income tax returns, as WPBF 25 News reported. Donna Pulda, Vice President of Special Initiatives and Grants at the United Way, noted the importance of the service for low-income families, saving them from spending $200 to $400 just for tax preparation and reinforcing the crucial role of the Earned Income Tax Credit as a major anti-poverty benefit.
Volunteers, who can range from CPAs to college students, including those who are bilingual in Spanish or Creole, will undergo 12–16 hours of IRS-certified training to equip them with the necessary skills to help clients maximize their returns, ensuring they can "increase their disposable income and have more money in their pockets," Pulda told WPBF 25 News. With 125 of the 150 volunteer spots filled, the United Way aims to find about two dozen more as the program’s start date of January 19 looms, stretching until Tax Day on April 18.
Notably, the program's significance extends beyond individual assistance; since its inception in 2003, VITA has funneled approximately $277 million back into the community, supporting the local economy and fostering financial stability among the county's residents. For those interested in contributing their time and expertise, volunteering with the VITA program serves as a way to give back and support neighbors in tangible, impactful ways.
