Many people approach tax season with feelings of dread and worry. The fear that they might make a mistake that costs more than they could stand to lose is real. Words like “IRS,” “audit,” and “deductions” are intimidating, but at The River Center, tax season feels different. A volunteer greets everyone with a warm and welcoming smile. The volunteer tax preparers, who love working with numbers and people, are members of the community from all walks of life. Others who have come to file their tax returns fill the waiting room. All of this creates a space where worried taxpayers feel supported, not alone.
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at The River Center is one of more than 9,500 such sites across the country. This Internal Revenue Service-sponsored initiative offers free, basic tax return preparation by IRS-certified volunteers to eligible taxpayers who need help in filing.
Volunteer tax preparers ensure important credits and deductions aren’t missed, and money isn’t left on the table. They take the time to explain things in ways that make sense. Many people leave with a clearer understanding of their finances and more confidence to make decisions for themselves and their families. Every step allows people to move toward greater financial stability. Our volunteers are our neighbors, walking buddies, and familiar faces. These are people who bring a human touch during a stressful time.
When I became the site coordinator for the VITA program at The River Center, I knew nothing about taxes. I didn’t have to be an expert to do the job, but I felt like I had been dropped into a foreign land. Like many taxpayers who come to our VITA program, I approached my first year of tax season with dread. I feared making mistakes. The vocabulary, charts and long strings of numbers were overwhelming. Before I felt I had a solid understanding of VITA, the pandemic forced sudden changes and constant adjustments. I leaned heavily on the seasoned and patient volunteer tax preparers to help keep The River Center tax program afloat. Now entering my ninth season in this role, I have gained more tax knowledge than I thought I would ever need in my lifetime. I look forward to seeing the volunteers and filers return to The River Center every year. I know what the Earned Income Tax Credit is. Form numbers are my love language.
I understand the fear that many taxpayers who come to our program bring. More changes to the tax law and our VITA site bring worry and confusion to everyone. I also share the same relief knowing I’m being supported by patient and knowledgeable volunteers. People gain confidence when they feel backed and understood. If I can learn this, so can you. And you don’t have to do it alone.
The River Center offers financial education, family programs, and community resources for residents in the Eastern Monadnock Region. For information, visit RiverCenterNH.org or call (603) 924-6800.
Nisa Simila is the River Center’s communications and Money Matters manager and can be reached at nsimila@rivercenternh.org.