Tax season is here again; it’s a time many wish they could skip right over. Fortunately, there is a group of dedicated people at the Lake to help: the tax professional volunteers of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

VITA is a program that provides free tax preparation for people who earn less than $45,000 annually, however, Richard Ortegon, site coordinator at OLLU, said “we will not turn anyone away just because they have a higher income.”

Ortegon has been volunteering at this site for five years, three of those as a site coordinator. He and 10 other volunteers take pride in helping out the people in the community, most of who are under the poverty level or elderly, by professionally preparing their taxes, an option many would not have otherwise.

VITA operates until April 15, and, although February is usually their busiest time, Ortegon said that they have seen an increase of people in January because of the Refund Express Program sponsored by the City Employee Federal Credit Union. The Express Program provides a refund advance with zero interest and the money is usually received within two to three days.

In order to have their taxes prepared, people need to bring in their driver’s license, Social Security card, W-2 forms, and 1099 forms (if applicable). The processing time is approximately 15 minutes and refunds are done electronically with the option of the refund express, direct deposit, or mail to the clients’ homes.

The importance of this program is that the money refunded will go back into the community and businesses. This then helps out the San Antonio economy. Habiba Rajpari is a certified public accountant, an OLLU alumni and VITA volunteer for the past two years. Rajpari said the most rewarding part “is being able to help people.”

She said clients come in and are anxious and excited to see their returns. She recalls one woman, who after seeing the amount of her refund, “was so happy, she hugged me,” Rajpari said.

There are 23 VITA sites throughout San Antonio. OLLU’s VITA site is open Monday through Thursday from noon to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m.

Although the official training period to volunteer has passed, there still may be time to help. People interested in volunteering for this year’s or next year’s tax season should contact the VITA office at (210) 431-4171. To find additional sites or more information, visit www.vitasa.org.