United Way is recruiting volunteers to work at free tax preparation centers through mid-April. Helping low-income families obtain tax credits is an important way you can join United Way in making local residents more financially stable and self-sufficient.

In 2009, volunteers helped Tarrant County families receive more than $2.4 million in earned income tax credits and more than $2 million in child tax credits. “The Internal Revenue Service estimates that Tarrant County citizens are actually eligible for about $100 million in tax credits,” said Pablo Calderon, United Way assistant vice president for volunteer engagement. “Most credits are not claimed.”

In addition to volunteer tax preparers, other volunteers are needed to welcome clients and organize tax documents, review tax returns for errors and translate for people who don’t speak English. 

Volunteers work at six sites in Arlington and Fort Worth that offer free tax preparation for families earning less than $49,000 per year. The centers hope to prepare 2,000 tax returns.

Volunteers are asked to commit to three hours a week and may choose the days and times they prefer. Tax preparers and quality review specialists must complete training at an IRS Web site to learn basic tax law and how to use TaxWise computer software. Intake specialists who welcome clients and organize tax documents must attend a two-hour training.

To volunteer or obtain further information, contact Pablo Calderon, 817-258-8056. To help United Way spread the word, click here to download a volunteer recruitment flyer.