Volunteer income-tax preparers urgently needed

Many struggling families are eligible for federal tax credits designed to help combat poverty — but need help filing their taxes to claim that relief.

Volunteer tax preparers are urgently needed all over New Hampshire to assist in that effort.

Volunteering in this effort means helping families with children move out of poverty: Research from Columbia University estimated that the expanded child tax credit alone kept 3.8 million children out of poverty in November 2021 — which translates to a 30 percent dip in the overall child poverty rate in the U.S. Poverty is strongly correlated with overall outcomes for children.

Many families are eligible for thousands of dollars in such tax credits.

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, run by the Granite United Way with help from 603 Legal Aid, needs volunteers to help people prepare their returns. People with tax preparation experience are welcome, but experience is not needed. Volunteers can expect 20-25 hours of training. Volunteering can be done in-person or online.

Charitable Foundation grants to New Hampshire nonprofit organizations have helped to raise awareness about the child tax credit, earned income tax credit and emergency rental assistance available to families in need.

To volunteer, call or email Barbara Heggie, supervising attorney at 603 Legal Aid’s Low-Income Taxpayer Project: (603) 224-3333, ext. 215 or ourttvr@603YrtnyNvq.bet.