FUTURO is sponsoring a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance site for the 2003 tax season. VITA is a program developed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to provide free tax assistance to low-income, elderly, and non-English speaking individuals who cannot afford a paid professional. The program is sponsored by a nonprofit organization and is operated by volunteers who will provide return preparation assistance and help qualified taxpayers take advantage of tax credits, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit.

Volunteers are also needed to serve as translators and clerks. E-filing for individual tax returns will be available. Volunteers will receive training by the IRS on January 27-29, 2004. The site will be open to the public beginning February 2004.

A site schedule of available times will be posted in the Civic Center bulletin boards located at the FUTURO offices. For more information contact Laurie Kaufmann, VITA Site Coordinator at 830-278-6817.