Hempstead Town Notebook: VITA Volunteers

Hempstead Town Seeking VITA Volunteers

To assist senior citizens in filing their income tax returns, Hempstead Town’s Department of Senior Enrichment is seeking volunteers to help run the town’s free Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is offered in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

For many seniors, it can be difficult to gather all the important financial information required in filing for an income tax return. However, the VITA program offered the Department of Senior Enrichment will pair seniors with an IRS-trained volunteer to help them file and get the highest possible tax return. Volunteers will be on hand at Hempstead Town senior centers and local libraries in the months leading up to the filing deadline (April 17, 2012).

No experience is required for prospective volunteers, as they will undergo a brief training program. Weekday training will be held between Jan. 9 and Jan. 27, at 200 North Franklin St. in Hempstead; Saturday training will be held on Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28 at the Lakeview Public Library (1120 Woodfield Road in Rockville Centre).

Volunteers will work a minimum of three daytime hours per week during February, March and April.

For more information on this great service offered to senior citizens, call the Department of Senior Enrichment at (516) 485-8100.