United Way Suncoast is currently accepting volunteer applications for its VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, which provides free tax preparation and filing assistance to qualifying families. United Way Suncoast relies on volunteers to serve as tax preparers, greeters and interpreters. Volunteers receive between four and 30 hours of IRS training depending on the position selected, and volunteer at one of the regional tax locations during the tax filing season from mid-January through mid-April.With the help of more than 400 IRS-trained and certified volunteers, the United Way Suncoast and its community partners made the following impact in the Suncoast region during the 2016 tax season: 19,759 individuals helped;9,420 federal tax returns prepared, including both e-filed and paper returns; more than 42 volunteer locations in the four-county region; more than $24,516,948 in refunds returned to members of the community; $7 million in earned income tax credits and child tax credits; and $3,855,000 in fee savings, based on average tax preparation fees.The 42 volunteer locations throughout DeSoto, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Sarasota counties offer day, evening and weekend hours.

United Way Suncoast Tax Assistance