Missouri’s free tax preparation service needs volunteers — and not just from tax preparers (though they’re needed too).

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program — VITA — needs a host of people willing to get trained and help many Kansas City neighbors who otherwise might not be able to file their income tax returns.

Interested in volunteering or donating?

Go to: kcmetrofreetaxes.org

Training begins later this year ahead of tax season running through the filing deadline in April.

Find out how you can help and get registered for training at kcmetrofreetaxes.org. Go the volunteer page here. Or send questions to kcvita@missouri.edu. There are many ways to serve. And there are opportunities for continuing education credits.

The KC Metro Tax Coalition and MU Extension have been partnering to manage the VITA and Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) programs that prepare free tax returns for people who qualify.

The IRS-sponsored program every year recruits volunteers who have helped millions of low- and moderate-income people nationwide file their taxes and receive tax credits they deserve.