HARRISONBURG, VA (Rocktown Now) — United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley invites community members to learn more about volunteering with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program at two information sessions in January.

The first session will take place on Tuesday, January 13, from 6 to 7 pm at the Lucy Simms Center (620 Simms Avenue) in Harrisonburg. A second session will be held at the Staunton Public Library (1 Churchville Avenue) on Wednesday, January 14, from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Community members with interest in volunteering during tax season are encouraged to attend one of the sessions to learn how VITA works and how they can get involved.

According to a release, the VITA program provides free, reliable tax preparation services for working households with a combined income of $68,000 or less across the Central Shenandoah Valley. The 2026 VITA season will begin in mid-February and run for approximately nine weeks, with tax preparation sites planned in Harrisonburg, Staunton and Waynesboro.

“Our VITA volunteers make a difference for working households across the Central Shenandoah Valley,” said Nadina Pupic, Director of Programs for United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley. “They help families receive accurate tax preparation and help hard-working households keep more of what they earn. Volunteers are at the heart of making this possible.”

United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley is seeking volunteers to serve in several roles, including greeters and screeners, interpreters, tax preparers and quality reviewers. Tax preparers and quality reviewers are required to pass IRS certification on current tax law. Training materials will be provided, and volunteers will self-study using an online learning platform. In person training opportunities will be offered as needed.

For more information on being a volunteer, email United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley Director of Programs Nadina Pupic at nadina@uwhr.org.