VITA: Looking to build volunteer team for tax preparation assistance in Stone County

Join the University of Missouri Extension in Stone County as a volunteer to provide FREE tax preparation services for the upcoming 2024 tax filing season through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. You can become a tax volunteer and help make a difference in our community.

    Stone Co. VITA Site Coordinator and 20-plus year VITA veteran, Luanna Fullerton states, “Thanks to our volunteers, last year we served over 475 people from nine different counties and 12 states. Many of these people rely on the tax benefits that only come once a year, and our volunteers help make the complicated tax process as simple as getting an oil change. Clients drop off their documents and return a little while later to pick them up with their completed tax forms.”

We have room for the following roles:

●      Greeters – Welcome clients, provide their starting documents, and collect ID information.

●      Intake helpers – Work with clients collecting documents and needed information.

●      Preparers – Complete Federal & State tax returns for clients.

●      Quality reviewers – Work with clients to review the work done by the preparer and finalize the filing process, ensuring client confidence in the work done and their choice to use VITA.

There are different levels of certification required, depending on your role:

●      Greeters and intake helpers – Pass two IRS tests on ethics and the intake process; twenty multiple choice questions in total (very easy).

●      Preparers and quality reviewers – Pass those two previous tests, and an Advanced Certification which you get in-depth training for (somewhat challenging).

However, our training ensures that all volunteers, regardless of prior experience, are well-equipped to fulfill their roles confidently.

●      We will complete training sessions with an MU Extension Personal Finance Professor that teaches the required tax knowledge topics, how to use the software, and how to use the various resources provided by the IRS.

o   This training can be done live on Zoom or any time after with the recordings.

●      All materials are provided for free.

●      Continuing Education Credits are available.

What else do you need to know?

●      We value your time and offer flexible scheduling. You can contribute four-six hours a week or have limited availability.

●      Tax season runs from early February to mid-April.

●      We have three sites: Galena, Crane and Kimberling City on separate days.

●      An experienced site coordinator is always available at the sites to answer questions and provide guidance.

●      We only do taxes for individuals and families with low-to-moderate income.

●      No business or farm taxes, which are much more complicated and need a CPA.

Our VITA program has been helping people for over 20 years in Stone Co. By volunteering, you'll play an important role that allows us to continue serving others, guiding them through the complicated tax filing process, and ensuring they receive the benefits they deserve.

To sign up or ask questions, please contact us at:

University of Missouri Stone County Extension Office

Phone: 417-357-6812

Physical Address: 108 East 4th St., 2nd Floor

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 345 Galena, MO 65656