Big Isle Tax Volunteers Sought to Help Elderly and Disabled

The IRS is looking for volunteers to provide free tax help to low-income, handicapped, and elderly Hawaii residents for tax returns due next April.

As part of its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, volunteers receive free training and certification from the IRS on how to prepare simple tax returns for people whose income is less than $50,000.

Volunteer tax preparers ensure that Hawaii residents don’t miss out on special credits such as the earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and credit for the elderly or the disabled.

Volunteers can help in three capacities: return preparer, site coordinator and greeter. The IRS says anyone can volunteer. Bilingual volunteers are particularly needed.

Training is usually held between November and January and volunteers generally study online with Link & Learn Taxes to obtain their volunteer certification.

In recent years, more than 400 Hawaii volunteers have prepared more than 18,000 federal and state individual income tax returns through Volunteer Income Tax Assistance and Tax Counseling for the Elderly.

To volunteer, send an email to [email protected].