United Way of the Plains is recruiting 160 volunteers for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that will operate Feb. 1 through April 15 in 2025. According to a news release, the service is offered at no charge to households making $64,000 or less annually. Funded through an annual grant secured from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and managed by the United Way of the Plains, the program is overseen by Kristie Costa, VITA Program Manager for United Way of the Plains.
Costa recruits volunteers who are then trained to become IRS certified to file taxes and identify tax credits. Around 6,000 returns were prepared in 2024, generating more than $7 million in tax refunds.
“Volunteering with United Way of the Plains’ VITA program is a rewarding experience, one that can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families,” Costa said. “It’s not just about numbers, it’s about impacting lives and building stronger communities. The program cannot grow and serve more people unless more people volunteer.”
The program has locations across Sedgwick, Butler, Cowley, Ford, Geary, Marion, Pratt and Sumner counties. Site coordinators, greeters, appointment schedulers and virtual tax preparers are also needed for the tax season. These volunteer opportunities are ideal for young professionals who wish to add valuable experience to their resumes, stay-at-home parents with children in school, retirees who are seeking a temporary volunteer position and anyone with a passion to help others. Interested volunteers should visit unitedwayplains.org or call Costa (316) 267-1321, ext. 4215.
Volunteers require no experience, can select the site and service type (in-person or virtual0 that fits their schedule and receive on-site support from experienced professionals.
Watch for additional information in January about the location and the hours of operation for VITA sites.
