The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free basic tax return preparation to qualified individuals; and for the second year, Fernley High School Students will be participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. Recently FHS VITA Students presented at the Fernley Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors Breakfast. The students spoke to members about VITA and the services they are able to offer. After breakfast, the students went to WAFD Bank where they learned about careers in the banking and finance industry. They then rounded out their day with lunch at the Fernley Senior Center, where students meet with Seniors to speak with them about the tax services they can offer.
The VITA program has operated for over 50 years and offers free tax help to people who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:
• Persons aged 60 and over
• People who generally make $60,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers.
While the IRS manages the VITA Program, each site is operated by IRS partners and staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. VITA services are not only free, but they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns. All VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information. In addition to requiring volunteers to certify their knowledge of the tax laws, the IRS requires a quality review check for every return prepared at a VITA/TCE site prior to filing. Each filing season, tens of thousands of dedicated VITA/TCE volunteers prepare millions of federal and state returns. Please visit the IRS VITA site at https://www.irs.gov/.../free-tax-return-preparation-for... if you would like additional information.
FHS VITA is composed of students in grades 10-12 who have taken 2-3 years of Accounting. These students have volunteered their time outside of school to prepare for and take the IRS Certification Exams, students will continue to volunteer their time through the tax season in order to serve members of the community. VITA students are certified in Basic Taxes, and their services are free for those who qualify. Students anticipate beginning to process returns on Feb 7th; and will operate on Tues/Wed/Thurs through tax season by appointment only. If you are interested in speaking with an FHS VITA student regarding tax preparation please use the below QR Code or email FHS.VITA@gmail.com, and a student will contact you outside of school hours. If you do not have access to email or are unable to use the QR code you contact the Fernley Senior Center at 775-575-3370 for assistance scheduling an appointment. Please do not call the high school as students are unable to take calls during the school day.