PRVO provides tax preparation services through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. VITA is an IRS initiative designed to promote and support free tax preparation services for the underserved, in both urban and non-urban locations. Service is targeted to low-to-moderate income individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and individuals with limited English-speaking ability.

Tax preparation services at no charge are provided at select county offices during tax season each year, generally starting in February and ending in April. Services are provided by IRS-certified volunteers. Because the availability of certified volunteers can vary, it is recommended to contact PRVO’s VITA Site Coordinator to verify site locations and scheduling information:

Jennifer Shows, VITA Site Coordinator
(601) 736-9564, extension 175
jshows@prvoinc.org

Volunteering with PRVO’s VITA Program

PRVO’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is looking for volunteers interested in sharing their skills, talent, and knowledge along with thousands of other Americans giving back to their communities. As a VITA volunteer, you will provide free tax preparation services for low-to-moderate-income families. We need volunteers to serve as Greeters/Screeners, Tax Preparers, and Quality Reviewers. Not every volunteer role involves preparing tax returns or certifying to prepare taxes. To explore available volunteer roles, visit https://www.irs.gov/individuals/choose-your-tax-volunteer-role.

Tax preparation sites will operate Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, from February through April. Training for the following tax season will become available in October or November.

Why volunteer with VITA?

• No prior experience needed
• Free training and certification
• Gain valuable skills
• Make a difference in your community

Where are volunteer opportunities available?

Our priority locations are Forrest, Jefferson Davis, Jones, Lamar, and Marion counties. Depending on volunteer availability, opportunities may become available in the following counties: Covington, Greene, Hancock, Pearl River, Perry, and Stone. If interested, please complete the volunteer application linked here PRVO VITA Volunteer Application.pdf, and email to Jennifer Shows at jshows@prvoinc.org.

Links:

IRS.gov, Free Tax Preparation for Qualifying Taxpayers: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/free-tax-return-preparation-for-qualifying-taxpayers

What to Bring: https://www.irs.gov/individuals/checklist-for-free-tax-return-preparation

VITA Site Locator: https://irs.treasury.gov/freetaxprep/