Thank you, IRS!

As we rapidly approach the end of the year our thoughts naturally turn to family, friends, holidays gatherings, gifts, traditional foods, decorations, and …. Year-end tax planning.

There are lots of articles that point out the X things you should do at year-end to simplify, optimize, and minimize your taxes. That’s not what this post is about.  In this post I want to highlight one of the best government-led programs I’m aware of – the IRS’ Voluntary Income Tax Assistance, or VITA, program.

Through the VITA program, the IRS partners with organizations, large and small, and across the country, to provide free basic tax returns. Partner organizations range from United Way to local churches. They focus on helping seniors, those with incomes below $67,000, the disabled, and taxpayers with limited English skills.

One of the largest partners is the AARP Foundation’s TaxAide program. They sponsor nearly 3,500 locations nationwide. Importantly, you don’t have to be retired, a senior, or an AARP member to use this program. Their website provides guidance on the information you need to bring and a location guide for their sites.

The volunteers who prepare the free tax returns are well trained and pass yearly certification tests. In my experience, they are some of the smartest and most caring people I’ve met. It’s been inspiring to see how hard the volunteer tax preparers will work to help their neighbors. One of the best things about the program is that each tax return is prepared by a certified person, and then independently checked by an experienced preparer.

Although the program is intended for lower incomes, I’ve never seen anyone turned down. If you know someone who would benefit from this program, please encourage them to seek out the service. If you happen to be a math/finance geek who likes to help people, please consider volunteering.