FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Bill Burgess 330-‐412-‐7490
United Way Looking for Volunteers for Free Tax Preparation Program (Canton, OH) October 9, 2015 – United Way of Greater Stark County is looking for volunteers to prepare taxes during tax season. To help with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, no experience is necessary. Individuals receive training appropriate for their position and receive materials for self-‐study on basic income tax law for federal and state returns. In addition, several specific-‐training sessions will take place prior to the kickoff of tax season. Volunteers are covered under the Volunteer Protection Act and are not accountable for tax returns filed to the IRS. “This is a great way for individuals to gain tax knowledge while helping families in our community,” said Chrisann Leaman, VITA & MyBudgetCoach Coordinator, United Way of Greater Stark County. “Many volunteers have gone on to find a job doing taxes. With what this program brings back to the community, it is time well-‐spent.” For anyone interested in becoming a volunteer, a VITA orientation is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7 from 9:00-‐11:00 a.m. at United Way of Greater Stark County, 401 Market Ave. N., Suite 300 in downtown Canton. Participants must register with Chrisann Leaman, VITA & MyBudgetCoach
Coordinator at 330-‐491-‐9989 or e-‐mail chrisann.leaman@uwstark.org. Last tax season through VITA, United Way of Greater Stark County and its volunteers helped income tax clients, in Stark and surrounding counties, collect over $1.86 million in tax credits and refunds. With help from 72 local volunteers, the organization completed 2,750 Federal and State returns through Ohio Benefit Bank, which is an increase of 24.8 percent from the previous year.
United Way of Greater Stark County was recently named VITA “Site of the Year” by the Ohio Benefit Bank Association. About United Way United Way of Greater Stark County believes in creating long-‐lasting change in three important impact areas of focus: Education, Income & Health. The agency collaborates, convenes, and partners to support programs and initiatives that break the cycle of poverty and promote a healthy community where kids are successful from kindergarten through graduation to a career, and families have the tools, skills, and support they need to become financially independent. For more information about United Way visit www.uwstark.org. Headquarters are at 401 Market Avenue North, Suite 300, Canton, Ohio 44702. Dial (330) 491-‐0445 to reach the offices.