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Southeast Texans making up to $59,000 a year can benefit from assistance provided free of charge in filing 2022 tax returns, made possible though the VITA program, managed by Lamar University’s Division of Diversity, Inclusion and Community Relations, beginning Feb. 4. Those interested in training to prepare these tax documents are currently being sought in advance of the program rollout.
The program, in existence in the U.S. since the 1970s, was sparked at Lamar in 2009.
Since its local inception in 2009, the program has brought in more than $11 million to Southeast Texans in refunds for over 6,000 taxpayers, which includes Earned Income Tax Credits as well as Education Credits. By providing tax preparation free of charge, filers save an average of $250 in filing fees, meaning they keep all their refund.
“All the money in your pocket,” said Jon Korejwa, director of the Lamar University VITA Program, “because there is no fee.”
Filing with VITA, Korejwa added, is a great way for filers to get back the most money they are due – “legally.”
The local program began with a partnership of Lamar University and Entergy Texas, Inc. and has since grown to include Catholic Charities, United Way of Beaumont and North Jefferson County, St. Vincent DePaul in Raywood, Texas, and the Jackson Center in Orange, Texas.
Free tax preparation services are provided at VITA sites throughout the 2022 tax season. At local VITA sites, IRS-certified volunteers from Entergy Texas and community partners will be available to help residents who earn $59,000 or less determine if they qualify to receive the tax benefits. These trained volunteers assist individuals with tax preparation, offering guidance on topics like earned income credit.
VITA also prepares taxes for non-resident alien taxes (1040-NR) for international students at Lamar University. In some VITA locations, local community partners are offering appointments for tax preparation services, drop-off tax prep services, financial coaching, budget workshops, free legal services and more.
IRS-certified training is held on the LU campus in January of 2023 for interested volunteers and tax preparation will begin the first week of February.
“This is a unique volunteer role,” Korejwa said. “Tax preparation requires computer skills, while other roles are people-oriented. All roles are a true commitment to serve our neighbors.”
He added that program growth is pushing the need for a larger pool of volunteers for the 10 weeks it operates. Multiple sites and varying hours provide volunteers with opportunities that fit their schedules.
VITA volunteers will be available during in the Beaumont area: Feb. 14 – April 15, virtual intake only, at the United Way of Jefferson County, 700 North St. in Beaumont, phone number (409) 835-4575; Saturdays, Feb. 4 through April 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Gloria Rameriz Neighborhood Resource Center, 2850 Gulf Street (the old fairgrounds) in Beaumont, phone: (409) 347-7891; Feb. 15 – April 15, Lamar University Student Volunteer Site, 4400 MLK Parkway, Galloway Building, room 243, in Beaumont, by appointment only at (409) 880-8988; and Mondays only, Feb. 6 – April 10, at Catholic Charities, 2780 Eastex Freeway in Beaumont, phone: (409) 924-4400.
VITA site locations throughout Southeast Texas are also available, with search by zip code at entergy.com/freetaxhelp. Residents may sign up to have their taxes prepared at getyourrefund.org/BakerRipley. Information from getyourrefund.org will be used to match a tax filer with a nearby VITA provider.
Those having their taxes prepared should bring: valid photo ID for you and your spouse if filing jointly, income documents including W-2s and 1099s, Social Security cards for everyone claimed, previous tax returns (if any), Health Insurance Marketplace Statement, Form 1095-A, and, for direct deposit, checking and savings account numbers via a canceled or voided check.
File online for free now with IRS-certified tax preparers at getyourrefund.org/entergy, or through https://myfreetaxes.com/.
Those interested in volunteer training may call Jon Korejwa, VITA program director, at (260) 385-8720 or contact him by email at VITAbmt@gmail.com.