United Approach is on the lookout for volunteers for the tax season

United Way of Hunterdon County is seeking volunteers to help prepare tax returns for low- to middle-income Hunterdon County residents.

Last year, 64 volunteers in our community helped submit more than 1,400 statements, resulting in a refund of more than $ 2.5 million to Hunterdon County residents and employees. Volunteers help ensure that “hardworking neighbors who live in poverty or live from paycheck to paycheck get back every dollar due and help put them on the path to financial stability.”

UWHC offers multiple opportunities to potential volunteers, including roles as income tax preparer, translator, and volunteer facilitator. All positions receive free training from the Internal Revenue Service and assistance from UWHC for the following positions:

  • Income tax preparers are usually people with tax preparation experience and knowledge of tax law. Regardless of experience, volunteers are trained in IRS tax materials with additional support from the United Way of Hunterdon County.
  • Translators work one-on-one with clients who need help interacting with their accountant. Volunteers who speak Spanish fluently are encouraged to join the team.
  • Volunteer moderators support customers, make appointments and make reminder calls to customers. These volunteers should be comfortable making and receiving calls, using the computer, and learning to use scheduling software.

According to the United Way of Hunterdon County, “volunteers benefit by learning new skills, including training to become an IRS-certified tax advisor. Finance professionals can earn continuing education credits, retirees can use their experience by helping others in our community, and college students and young professionals can include this volunteer experience on their résumés. “

To learn more and to register for a briefing, please contact Amy Andersen at 908-237-1689 or amy@uwhunterdon.org. Two information events are offered in October, and training for the volunteers begins in November.

For more information on the United Way of Hunterdon County, visit www.uwhunterdon.org.