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High‑school VITA volunteers report $57,000 returned locally, ask county support to expand services
Summary
Students in Friendly High School’s VITA tax‑assistance program told commissioners they prepared 96 federal returns this season, returned about $57,000 in refunds to the local economy, saved residents typical tax‑prep fees and provided students with tax certifications and workforce experience. Program leaders asked the county for help recruiting a volunteer co‑coordinator and business partners.
Students and their site coordinator from Friendly High School described a student‑led Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program that provides free federal tax preparation to seniors, low‑income residents and people with disabilities.
Student manager Robert Wolsey and peer Marcus Javier said the program submitted 96 returns this season and returned roughly $57,000 to clients. Site coordinator Rebecca Mayor said the program saves clients between $150 and $400 in preparation fees and provides valuable training, with individual students logging 60–100 volunteer hours.
Mayor said staffing is the main limit on the program’s capacity: the site needs a co‑site coordinator to double throughput because IRS rules require an intake preparer and a quality reviewer. She asked the board and community partners to help by publicizing the program and encouraging volunteers and local business support for student recognition and modest program expenses such as certificates and end‑of‑year celebrations.
Commissioners praised the program’s community impact and student workforce training; several asked staff to prepare a board recognition or letter of support and to take a group photograph for public outreach.
Why it matters: The student VITA site provides a free tax‑preparation option for seniors and low‑income residents across several Lyon County communities while delivering industry‑recognized certifications and practical training to students. The program’s scale is modest but yields demonstrable local economic returns and nonmonetary community benefits.
Next steps: The board signaled support for a recognition item and for staff to explore ways to help the program recruit volunteers and partner with banks and the chamber of commerce.
