With opening day approaching quickly, more volunteers are needed urgently by United Way of Lake and Sumter Counties.

VITA, or Volunteer Income-Tax Assistance, is recruiting volunteers, preferably with tax-prep, accounting and/or other financial services experience, to help prepare no-cost tax returns for local residents.

The service will be operated in three locations in both counties, and will be open from Feb. 1 – April 15.

Those interested in volunteering for VITA should visit uwls.org/volunteer, and for more information about the program, visit uwls.org/vita-free-tax-preparation

All additional questions should be directed to Nishika Stafford at 352-787-7530 ext. 231 or staffordn@uwls.org.

Through VITA, our certified volunteers and tax preparers provide free tax preparation and filing services to individuals and households with income below $73,000 and meet other criteria.

Appointments are also now available for the free tax-preparation service. Clients can choose from three locations: the Leesburg Resource Center in Leesburg, Cagan Crossings Community Library in Clermont, and the Sumter County Youth Center in Bushnell.

Each location has different operating hours, and those who would like to make an appointment should visit book.appointment-plus.com/ddt2p87k/#/

Volunteers and UWLS staff members prepared and filed 385 returns with a refund value of $144,556 for residents during the 2023 tax season through the VITA program.