Free tax assistance programs need volunteers for 2024 tax season

Wisconsin’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs are ramping up for the 2024 tax season and they need volunteers.

Whether you are a student, retiree or anyone looking to serve your community, the VITA and TCE programs offer a unique opportunity to engage with and help people in a meaningful way while building valuable skills.

“Volunteers are the heart of these essential programs,” said Wisconsin Department of Revenue Secretary Peter Barca. “The time and dedication they put into helping their friends and neighbors throughout the state is a profound example of Wisconsin’s giving spirit.”

The VITA and TCE programs offer free tax preparation services to qualifying Wisconsin taxpayers.

Who can volunteer?

Anyone. There is need for help in several positions, including reception greeters, document intake, and income tax preparation. Accounting or finance experience is not necessary to volunteer. Those helping clients with tax preparation services will receive formal training, making this a good opportunity to learn about federal and state tax laws, and the preparation process while serving the communities where they live and work.

How to apply

Anyone interested in giving their time to either the VITA or TCE programs during the tax season from January through April 2024 should, before November 30, 2023:

• Fill out a Community Volunteer Information form on the Department of Revenue website.
• Contact DOR’s VITA-TCE Program Coordinator Juan Carlos Reyes at (608) 261-5236 or at reyes@wisconsin.gov.

Volunteers with the VITA and TCE programs annually prepare nearly 45,000 tax returns at about 160 locations statewide. The VITA program is a cooperative effort by the IRS and many individual states, including Wisconsin. Volunteers trained by the IRS and DOR prepare basic income tax returns for free. The TCE program is supported by AARP. The AARP’s Tax-Aide volunteers train in cooperation with the IRS and DOR to prepare basic income tax returns for free during tax season. Most of these sites offer free electronic filing.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.