Volunteers needed for free tax-prep services, appointments open for local residents

Volunteers are urgently needed to help prepare no-cost tax returns in time for local residents to have free filing appointments. 

United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties needs volunteers, preferably with tax-prep, accounting and/or other financial services experience, to help prepare no-cost tax returns for residents of Lake and Sumter Counties. Participants are IRS certified and trained to identify taxpayer’s eligibility for federal tax credits to help families get the most accurate return through VITA, or the Volunteer Income-Tax Assistance program. 

The service will operate from Feb. 1 through April 15. Those interested in volunteering for VITA should visit uwls.org/volunteer or visit uwls.org/vita-free-tax-preparation for more information about the program. Other questions should be directed to Nishika Stafford at 352-787-7530 ext. 231 or staffordn@uwls.org. 

Additionally, appointments are currently available to individuals and households with income below $73,000 and who meet other criteria. Clients can choose from three locations, those being the Leesburg Resource Center in Leesburg, Cagan Crossings Community Library in Clermont and the Sumter County Youth Center in Bushnell. Each location has different operating hours, and those who would like to make an appointment should visit book.appointment-plus.com/ddt2p87k/#/. 

Those utilizing the VITA program should bring: 

• Proof of identification (government-issued photo ID) 
• Original, signed Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents 
• An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number 
• Proof of foreign status, if applying for ITIN 
• Birth dates for you, your spouse and your dependents on the tax return 
• Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G, 1099-R, 1099-Misc) from all employers 
• Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099) 
• All Forms 1095, Health Insurance Statements 
• Health Insurance Exemption Certificate, if received 
• A copy of last year’s federal and state tax returns, if available 
• Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit, such as a blank check 
• Total paid for daycare provider and daycare provider’s tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number 
• Forms 1095-A, B or C, Affordable Health Care Statements. Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable 
• To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign required forms 

Volunteers and UWLS staff members prepared and filed 385 returns with a refund value of $144,556 for residents during the 2023 tax season through the VITA program.