The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has been in existence for 50 years, offering free tax help to people who cannot afford professional assistance. VITA volunteers help prepare tax returns for taxpayers with disabilities, those with low- to moderate-income, the homebound, non-English speaking persons and the elderly.
Volunteers come from all backgrounds and undergo a comprehensive training program. Tax preparers must pass annual certifying exams to prove their understanding of relevant tax laws and proficiency of e-filing and tax preparation methods using IRS-approved software.
Volunteers may work at established sites in Fort Collins and Windsor and at "mobile" sites within Larimer and Weld counties.