For the past 6 years I have been volunteering with a program called Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA.) VITA helps people who make under $50,000 by providing free tax returns.
I started the program back in 2004 because a friend said it would look good on my resume. To be completely honest I had no real motivation for doing the program and I knew nothing about taxes. We sat in a small room for about 16 hours over 3 days learning how to prepare taxes. I remember feeling completely overwhelmed and like I knew nothing about I had just learned.
A week later taxes started. It took me a while but I got the hang of it and realized it wasn’t that hard after all. By the end of my first year I was able to do simple taxes in about 10 minuets. I think that first year I did about 30 returns. It was a great experience which I think influenced the rest of my college life.
I can’t say that doing the taxes was that fun but the people were and getting to help the community was a great feeling. I also met some of my best friends doing taxes. Like Loan, Tej, and George (Who I’m working with on G-HAMP Apparel)
Today I’m in my 6th year of doing taxes. I continue to support the program along with Loan and George. We just finished training the new students who seamed seamed a little overwhelmed but might have a better understanding than I did when I started.
Its been great to see the program grow into the what is today. We have come a long way. From doing it by hand to having a computerized network. There is a great group of people running it. Including our new site coordinator Daniel, who did an amazing 60 taxes returns last year! We are looking forward to see what this year will bring and are eager to help people get the most out of there returns in these trying times.
If you would like free Tax assistance please call to schedule an appointment. PLEASE NOTE: We do taxes for people who make under $50,000 and DO NOT have a business, or do consulting work. We also do not do itemized deductions.
Wentworth Institute of technology
VITA Program
Phone: 617-989-4922
555 Huntington Ave
Boston, MA 02115
Hours:
5-9 Tues. and Thurs.
1-5 Sat.
Spaces are limited so please call soon.
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