COLUMBUS — Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, Inc. is in need of volunteers to support its free tax preparation services offered to the community, according to a recent press release from Goodwill. 

Each year, Goodwill provides free tax preparation services to the community through a partnership with the IRS. The program, known as Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, recruits and trains volunteers to prepare free tax returns for households that earn less than $54,000 annually. 

Volunteers commit to a minimum of 30 hours between January and April, all while gaining valuable work experience, becoming certified in tax law and helping taxpayers in the community. 

According to the press release, if you are a college student and are required to complete volunteer hours, this is an opportunity to volunteer, learn a skill and build your resume. 

Volunteers are needed at the Goodwill career centers in Midtown Columbus, Newnan, Opelika and Phenix City. 

Volunteer opportunities include intake/greeter and tax preparers. Volunteers are also required to complete tax preparer training and certification before tax season begins. 

Training sessions can be found at Goodwillsr.org/vitavolunteer, where those interested can register and sign up to be a VITA volunteer. 

Individuals interested in volunteering are also invited to attend the VITA Volunteer Information Session on Nov. 21 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Midtown Career Center off of Macon Rd. 

Goodwill has offered free tax prep for the community through the VITA program for 10 years. 

So far in 2019, 3,950 individuals and families have received free tax services, which has generated a $10 million economic impact. 

For more information on the free tax services offered by Goodwill visit, Goodwillsr.org/vita. 

Individuals who are interested in becoming a VITA volunteer or have further questions can email Goodwill at volunteers@gwisr.org, contact its Financial Services Department at (706) 256-1837 or attend the VITA information session on Nov. 21.