In an effort to bolster financial support for low-income families, the state of Oregon, in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service, is making a call for volunteers. These individuals will provide necessary assistance in tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs. Codi Trudell, Oregon's Taxpayer Advocate, highlighted the significant impact of the assistance, stating, "For low- and moderate-income families, claiming the tax credits available to them can be a starting point on the path to stronger financial security." This appeal was documented in a recent post on the Oregon Department of Revenue's newsroom.
Despite the progress made this year—with free tax help being extended to almost 38,000 taxpayers at 108 sites statewide, an uptick from the previous year's figures—there remains a notable shortfall. The same news source reports that one in five eligible Oregon taxpayers do not claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit, leading to roughly $100 million in unclaimed credits in recent years. In the face of this persistent issue, a clear call to action reverberates: to actively volunteer and help reduce these numbers.
For those interested in volunteering, the IRS extends a wealth of training resources available both online and in the classroom. The flexible scheduling with nights and weekends allows volunteers to seamlessly integrate this service into their lives. The partnership extends to organizations as well, with the IRS seeking sponsors for VITA and TCE clinics. The Oregon Department of Revenue's newsroom outlines the process for individuals and organizations to sign up and contribute to this community-focused initiative.
Oregonians seeking a VITA site may utilize the IRS Site Locator tool or check the Department of Revenue’s Free Tax Help map, where sites are marked in blue. In a further collaboration to ensure support, 15 VITA locations receive backing from the Oregon Department of Human Services Tax Infrastructure Grant Program.
As the end of the year approaches, specific local organizations can be reached out to for volunteer opportunities. Oregonians willing to contribute their time and expertise may consider joining the ranks of those who stand at the front lines of tax assistance—a service that transcends mere numbers on a form, touching the lives and futures of countless residents in their community.
