The Volunteer Return Preparation Program
The Volunteer Return Preparation Program originated in 1969. Since implementing the program, thousands of volunteers have prepared millions of tax returns across the country.

The VITA Program
The Internal Revenue Services' "Volunteer Coordinator's Handbook" (Rev. 9-01) reported that in 2002, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program celebrated it's 32nd year. In 2000, nearly 50,000 VITA volunteers assisted in excess of 2 million taxpayers at over 8,000 locations across the country.

This program offers free tax help to people who cannot afford professional assistance. Volunteers help prepare basic tax returns in community and neighborhood centers, libraries, schools, and other convenient locations.

A major initiative of the program is to encourage taxpayers to file their returns, federal and State, electronically. Each year the number of taxpayers that take advantage of this method continues to grow.

How To Volunteer
If you wish to volunteer as a VITA Volunteer and/or want more information about the program, you may contact the IRS:

Debbie Chapman
Acting Territory Manager
Internal Revenue Service
W&I SPEC New Jersey / Delaware
One Newark Center
Newark, NJ 07102
973-468-3266
E-Mail: debra.d.chapman@irs.gov

The IRS can provide contacts for the VITA site nearest to you. As a volunteer, you will not prepare complicated returns, distribute tax forms, or answer technical questions for which you have not been trained. You will, however, be expected to prepare the basic forms and assist with State forms.