United Way of Deschutes County seeks tax-help volunteers

United Way of Deschutes County is seeking community members to assist low and moderate income taxpayers and seniors file their taxes for free through the Tax-Aide program, which is also supported by AARP and CASH Oregon.

Tax-Aide offers free tax preparation services, which saves preparer fees, helps taxpayers avoid high-interest “fast refund” loans, offers access to tax credits, and returns millions of dollars to the hands of Central Oregonians.

Volunteers do not need any prior experience. CASH Oregon and AARP have developed a robust program to give volunteers the tools they need to provide volunteer tax assistance for our community. This year’s Tax Preparer Training will be offered for free at Central Oregon Community College December 18 – 22 from 9 am – 5 pm. Trained volunteers will provide Tax-Aide preparation services February – April of 2018.

This program depends entirely on volunteers to provide free tax assistance for members of our community. Last year, each volunteer placed an average of $48,000 back in the hands of low and moderate income seniors, families, and individuals. In Central Oregon, 2,200 returns were prepared for free through Tax-Aide, resulting in $2.1 million in refunds. Accessing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and Child Tax Credit, the refunds average $1,000 and make a big difference to those helped, many of whom have average incomes of less than $25,000.

United Way of Deschutes County is a Central Oregon-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization governed by a local Board of Directors, community leaders, and volunteers. Established in 1952, the agency has been building stronger individuals, families, and communities for 65 years by investing in programs and services that support the health, education, and financial stability of every person in our community.

To learn more about becoming a Tax-Aide volunteer, call United Way at 541.389.6507 or visit www.deschutesunitedway.org, go to “Our Programs” and click on “Tax-Aide.”