Volunteers needed to help prepare tax returns 

Preparing personal income tax returns can be trying even in the best of times.

The ongoing pandemic and its social distancing requirements, coupled with recent federal tax code changes, promise to make this year’s tax season even more challenging, especially for low-income Delawareans.

If workers need to use a fee-based tax return preparation service because volunteer preparers aren’t available, the cost could easily wipe out tax credit benefits that individuals and families could otherwise use for food, clothing and other necessities, said Jaime Sayler, First State Community Action Agency director of community services, development and housing.

First State and other partners of the Cape Community Coordination for COVID-19 coalition are seeking volunteers to help their neighbors prepare federal and state income tax returns for 2020.

Sayler said it is particularly important that service industry employees and others who have lost income because of the pandemic be aware of a provision of the pandemic-relief legislation approved by Congress in late December.

The legislation’s “look-back” provision will enable low- to moderate-income working individuals and couples, particularly those with children, to claim an Earned Income Tax Credit by basing their 2020 taxable earnings on 2019 income.

However, workers must complete tax returns and assemble supporting documentation in order to claim the credit.

In previous years, a variety of government and nonprofit organizations offered free income tax preparation services at libraries and other venues throughout the state, Sayler said. But many of the traditional venues are not available because of the pandemic, which reduces access to free tax preparation services.

Last year, for example, there were 20 IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites throughout Delaware; this year, only five are planned.

First State Community Action Agency, with locations in Georgetown, Dover and New Castle, is providing space for tax preparation and arranging for video kiosks so taxpayers can meet virtually with preparers. With secure, remote paperwork drop-off, volunteer tax return preparers can work in their homes.

“With so many retired professionals moving into our area, we hope those with the skills, aptitude and desire to help others will come forward to volunteer their services to assist with income tax return preparation,” said Jen Mason, convener of the all-volunteer CCC4COVID coalition and an independent business owner in Lewes.

Volunteer preparers will receive self-guided online training and must pass a certification test, all coordinated by First State. To sign up as a volunteer or for more information, contact Jaime Sayler or Dr. Sandi Hagans of First State Community Action Agency at 1-800-372-2240.

The CCC4COVID coalition includes more than 80 social services, religious, educational and nonprofit organizations, along with healthcare providers, businesses, public libraries, and federal, state and local government representatives. The coalition welcomes new partner organizations and invites them to participate in virtual coordination meetings held on Tuesdays.

For a complete list of participating organizations, go to ccc4covid.org.