The holiday season is upon us, but before we know it tax season will begin. For low to moderate income families, who can’t afford to pay to get their taxes prepared, United Community Action Partnership (UCAP) is again offering free tax preparation clinics in Hutchinson, Jackson, Marshall, Redwood Falls, Willmar, Windom and new this year-Worthington! The program’s success depends on many people with big hearts to make it happen.
“Volunteers make our tax program possible,” said Michelle Jensen, UCAP’s Family Services Manager. “They can’t happen without the help of people in our communities.”
UCAP offers tax clinics in partnership with the United Way of Southwest MN, the MN Department of Revenue, the Internal Revenue Service, and other community partners to ensure that taxpayers receive their full tax credits and refunds. People don’t need tax knowledge to volunteer.
“We provide training so that anyone can become an IRS certified tax preparer,” Jensen said. “But we also need volunteers to greet people and help make sure they are prepared for their appointment.”
Training for the volunteer tax site positions are scheduled to take place in several locations throughout the month of January. Anyone who is interested in learning more can contact UCAP’s tax team at 507-4769283.
Tax clinics have been growing over the last several years, and that trend is expected to continue this year, as special MN tax credits are available, and more people will need to file to claim those credits. Jensen hopes that enough people will step forward this year to keep up with what will likely be record-breaking demand.
“A few hours of someone’s time can, literally, put thousands of dollars back into the pockets of households that need it most.” Jenson said.
If you are interested in learning more about this high-impact program that served more than 2,700 households last year, bringing back almost 6 million dollars in refunds or would like to sign up to volunteer, please contact Michelle Jensen at 507-537-1416 ext. 1352 or taxstaff@ unitedcapmn.org. United Community Action Partnership is a non-profit organization that strives to help low and moderate income families improve their lives and move out of poverty. EOE/AA/ADA
