The IRS is calling upon the community in Oregon to step up as volunteers to aid in free tax preparation services through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly programs. The state's Taxpayer Advocate, Codi Trudell, is ringing the bell for more helping hands as the need outpaces the current volunteer numbers, despite an increase in participation this year. "We’ve made some progress. Oregon had more VITA sites and volunteers in 2024. Volunteers helped 4,700 more Oregonians file their tax returns this year than in 2023, but the need is still substantially higher. VITA and TCE sites turn people away every day during tax season due to a lack of volunteers," Trudell explained in a statement obtained by the Department of Revenue.
In 2024, over 32,700 Oregonians have received free tax help, a notable rise from last year’s figures. This assistance came through 104 sites across the state, compared to the 88 of the previous year. Despite these strides, a startling number of taxpayers are still missing out on claiming the federal Earned Income Tax Credit. According to the IRS, one in five of those eligible in Oregon did not claim this benefit, amounting to nearly $100 million left unclaimed in recent years, as reported by the Department of Revenue.
Trudell stressed the significance of tax credit benefits for the low-income population in Oregon, citing the importance of filing a tax return in order to claim these benefits. "There are significant federal and Oregon-specific tax credit benefits available to low-income individuals and families, but they need to file a tax return to claim the benefits," said Trudell. For those who heed the call, the IRS offers training both online and in the classroom, with varied hours to accommodate different schedules, as mentioned by the Department of Revenue.
The IRS is also on the lookout for organizations willing to sponsor these Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly clinics. These programs are a lifeline for those who require assistance in navigating their tax returns. Volunteers receive comprehensive training and collaborate with sponsoring organizations, contributing their time in locations across their communities. Interested individuals can find additional information and sign up to volunteer through the IRS volunteer sign-up page, where they will be connected with sponsoring organizations for follow-up.
