Special to the American Press

United Way Southwest Louisiana is gearing up for the 2025 tax season with its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Initiative, a program designed to provide free tax preparation and electronic filing services to low- and moderate-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities throughout our five-parish area.

Last year, volunteers prepared nearly 5,000 tax returns, bringing over $4.3 million back to community members, aiding them in saving on tax preparation costs and avoiding expensive refund advance loans.

This year, their goal is to extend our reach and impact and to do so, we require the support of about 60 dedicated volunteers.

“VITA is one of the most critical Initiatives in our long-term planning arsenal for families,” said Denise Durel, president and CEO of United Way Southwest Louisiana. “We can ensure these families can easily and properly access the money and tax credits they are entitled to and help them learn to save for those unplanned emergencies. For some individuals, this is the beginning of saving toward their first big asset purchase.”

Prior experience is optional to become a VITA volunteer. There is no cost for the training, class materials, testing, or IRS certification to become a tax preparer at a site. Other volunteer positions at each Allen, Beauregard, Calcasieu, Cameron, and Jeff Davis parish locations include site coordinators, greeters, and volunteers. Bilingual volunteers are needed for this upcoming tax season as well. Register online at unitedwayswla.org/vitavolunteer.

Certification training will be 9:15 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14, at United Way Southwest Louisiana, 815 Ryan St. Lunch will be served.