The 2013 VITA tax preparation season has ended. VITA volunteers were recognized at an event on April 25. The event was partially sponsored by APS. At the time, 504 returns have been filed by VITA volunteers, and the season ended with 578 federal tax returns filed by volunteers.
Beverly Prueter, United Way of Pinal County Executive Director, said this program is meant to help people with their filings at no cost to them and to assure they apply for the Earned Income Tax Credit if they are eligible. The service provides refunds back to the consumer and helps provide for families in Pinal County.
This year there were six sites in Pinal County managed by volunteer site coordinators and supported by 36 volunteers, 80% of whom were certified at intermediate or advanced tax preparation levels.
Long time volunteer Bob Michels received the Site Manager’s Award for his dedication and coordination for 2 sites this year in San Tan Valley and Coolidge.
Over 1100 volunteer hours were provided to Pinal County by VITA volunteers. The service is funded by a grant from the Internal Revenue Service through a collaboration with the United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona, and United Way of Pinal County, with in kind support from each of the six sites.