Jackson County United Way will conduct a “Friend Raiser Meet and Greet” for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Community Agency Building, 113 N. Chestnut St., Seymour.

Anyone interested in helping to meet the growing number of people using this service is invited to talk with volunteers already in the program.

VITA volunteers help prepare and file basic federal income tax forms for eligible working individuals and/or families. No previous accounting or tax experience is needed to volunteer, and flexible training options are available. All volunteers must complete online training and certification in advanced tax preparation.

Once certified, volunteers will be available to serve at the Jackson County VITA site at the Seymour Library, 303 W. Second St., from February through mid-April. Volunteer positions include greeters, interpreters, tax preparers, quality reviewers and site coordinators.

Jackson County United Way will be partnering with the Jackson County Public Library to bring the service to Jackson County residents. VITA is free for individuals or families who generally make $53,000 or less.

VITA focuses on serving people with disabilities, the elderly and limited English-speaking taxpayers who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns.

Since Jackson County United Way began offering the program in 2010, 1,531 individuals have received $1,639,925 in federal and state returns and saved hundreds of thousands of dollars in rapid refund loans.

If you are interested in serving as a volunteer and would like to attend the Friend Raiser Meet and Greet, RSVP to Bonita Dobbs at 812-522-5450 or [email protected].