Lafayette Urban Ministry (LUM) is beginning its 10th year helping low-income individuals and families file tax returns.
Director of Social Justice Ministries Patti O'Callaghan says the goal is to get as many filers as possible to qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). She says last year, 1400 returns were filed and approximately $2.5 million dollars in refunds were issued through the program.
O'Callaghan says volunteers are needed to help filers go through the process. No prior experience is necessary, but volunteers must be certified by the IRS. She says that can be done online and with the help of LUM staff, in-house.
Volunteers are asked to commit to at least one session per week, or several hours at a time. The tax assistance program runs various hours during the day and evening with Saturday hours beginning in February.
More information about the program and volunteering is HERE.