While the tax filing season is a few months away, Jackson County United Way is recruiting new volunteers to be Volunteer Income Tax Assistance preparers.

JCUW hopes to serve 500 taxpayers this season. To assist the growing number of individuals using this service, the United Way is inviting the public to learn more about how they can become an certified preparer.

Liz Eaken, an employee of Lannett who will be returning for her fifth season, said she became a volunteer because service to others makes her feel good, and she enjoys math and learning new things.

“I continue to volunteer because this is a special program that accomplishes so much for our community,” she said.

Volunteers help prepare and file basic federal income tax forms for eligible individuals and/or families. No previous accounting or tax experience is needed, and flexible training options are available. Volunteers must complete online training and certification in advanced tax preparation. Once certified, volunteers will be available to serve at the Seymour Library from February to mid-April.

Positions include intake specialists, tax preparers, quality reviewers and site coordinators.

VITA is for individuals or families who generally make $56,000 or less. Since the United Way started the program in 2010, 2,863 individuals have received $2,682,924 in federal and state returns, and based on an estimated $368 rapid refund fee, clients have saved $1,053,584 in rapid refund loans.

For information, contact Bonita Dobbs at 812-522-5450 or [email protected].