Hempstead Town Seeking VITA Volunteers; Residents Needed to Help Seniors File Income Tax Returns

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).                                                                                                        

“VITA is an invaluable service offered to senior citizens who require assistance in filing for annual income tax returns,” said Murray. “The Town of Hempstead is proud to partner with the Internal Revenue Service to assist our golden-aged residents.”

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 January 9 and January 27, 2012 at 200 North Franklin Street in Hempstead; Saturday training will be held on January 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.

“Volunteering your time in the VITA program can make a real difference in the lives of our senior citizens here in Hempstead Town,” said Murray. “I would like to thank the Department of Senior Enrichment and the Internal Revenue Service for coordinating this great program.”