VITA Volunteer Newsletter

Week of Nov. 22nd, 2021

Your bi-weekly resource for tax tips, important dates, and other news of note

from the VITA staff!

Tax Updates

Tax Tip: Educator Expenses

Teachers can deduct out-of-pocket classroom expenses, including COVID-19 PPE!

Fall is here and another school year is in full swing. Many teachers are already dipping into their own pockets to buy classroom supplies that will help set their students up for success. Doing this all year long can add up fast. Fortunately, eligible educators may be able to offset qualified expenses they paid in 2021 when they file their tax return in 2022.

Educators who work in schools may qualify to deduct up to $250 of unreimbursed expenses. That amount goes up to $500 if two qualified educators are married and file a joint return. However, neither spouse can deduct more than $250 of their qualified expenses when they file their federal tax return.

Taxpayers qualify for this deduction if they:

Teach any grade from kindergarten through twelfth grade.
Are a teacher, instructor, counselor, principal or aide.
Work at least 900 hours during the school year.
Work in a school that provides elementary or secondary education.

Click here to see the full list of qualified expenses

Volunteer Resources

VITALinks has long been our primary webpage for volunteer tax resources - it's your one-stop reference for tax preparation guides and tools. Resources will be added to VITALinks as the tax season gets going - check out the following links in the meantime:

VITALinks: https://unitedwaytucson.org/vita/links/ (still has many resources from last year - will be updated soon!)
4012 - VITA/TCE Resource Guide for 2021 Returns (digital copy)
6744 - Volunteer Assistor's Test/Retest for 2021 Returns (digital copy)
4491 - Volunteer Training Guide for 2021 (digital copy)

Publication Pick-Ups

Hard copies of the 4012 and 6744 will be available for pick-up from the United Way office (330 N Commerce Park Loop, Suite #200) next week. You are welcome to come by our office any time from 8am-4pm, Monday 11/29- Friday 12/3. Note that our offices are still closed to the general public; however, these materials will be available at the front desk. Masks are required at the United Way office, regardless of vaccination status.

If you are unable to pick up materials during one of those times next week, please contact our team and we can make other arrangements: VITA@unitedwaytucson.org

Welcome Back Session

The VITA team held a Welcome Back session for returning volunteers on 11/15/21 via Zoom. There, we introduced the VITA staff, reviewed tax updates, and discussed pandemic protocols. If you are a returning volunteer and were unable to attend, here is how you can catch up:

View the session recording: click here.
Send us your site preference please use the Volunteer Intent form, click here. (Sites are being filled on a first come, first served basis!)

For other questions, please don't hesitate to reach us at VITA@unitedwaytucson.org

United Way of Tucson Updates

United Way of Tucson is working to build a thriving community by uniting people, ideas, and resources. We envision a community where every child receives a high-quality education from birth to career, every adult has the opportunity to thrive financially and in the workplace and every older person can retire and age with dignity and independence. From birth to career, career to retirement, and retirement to end of life, United Way supports the well-being and success of every person in Southern Arizona.

Child Tax Credit Navigators

United Way works year-round to improve the equity of employment and financial wellness outcomes for adults and families. As of September, only 68% of eligible Arizona families were signed up for Child Tax Credit payments. In response, United Way staff hosted a Child Tax Credit navigator training for 8 local nonprofits in October, giving more workers in our community tools to help families receive payments.

Learn more about our Financial Wellness work on our website.

Giving Tuesday

Mark your calendars! Giving Tuesday is coming up on November 30, 2021. This Giving Tuesday, United Way asks that you unite with us for education. The COVID-19 pandemic added stress to many families here in Southern Arizona already struggling to give their children a strong start in education or provide the tools they need to be successful in school. Click here to learn more about our Education programs. Click here for a simple way to donate and help us supercharge learning this Giving Tuesday.

Questions, comments, or feedback?

Contact the VITA team:

vita@unitedwaytucson.org

https://unitedwaytucson.org/vita/