Lifeline, Inc., Lake and Geauga Counties’ Community Action Agency, announced it is seeking volunteer tax preparers to assist low- to moderate-income households with tax preparation for the 2024 tax season. This program is offered in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service office in Cleveland. Lifeline will provide free tax preparation to qualifying Lake and Geauga county residents beginning in mid-January and continuing through April 2025 as part of the IRS developed Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, according to a news release. The program trains volunteers to prepare federal and state tax returns for working families, elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Anyone can volunteer — no previous tax experience is necessary, only a desire to help others in need, the release stated. Volunteers participate in several training levels and the staff is here to fully support the volunteers. Once certified, volunteers will be scheduled to assist with tax preparation January through April. Lifeline will use computers to electronically prepare and transmit tax returns. “Volunteers can make a real difference in the lives of working families by helping them remain compliant with IRS regulations and filings and allowing them to take advantage of every tax benefit to which they are entitled,” Lifeline stated in the release Because this program files tax returns electronically, it allows for fast refunds to the taxpayer. For more information, contact [email protected] or call 440-354-2148 and ask for Heather Martucci. Lifeline’s VITA tax clinics are supported by the United Way of Lake County, the Lake County Commissioners Community Development Block Grant and through the federal Community Services Block Grant. Lifeline’s current programming includes services in the healthcare, housing and energy assistance, information and referral services, guardianship, and financial education.