Locations & Hours
From February 2 through April 20, CAC’s Financial Assistance office buzzed every Monday and Wednesday evening, and Saturday morning and afternoon. During these times, a dedicated team of trained and certified volunteers helped community members complete and file their taxes. During this year’s tax filing season, 41 volunteers of CAC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program helped 535 individuals receive a total of $795k in refunds, yielding a total economic impact of $1.4M to the community.
Meet Daniel Weiss, From VITA Volunteer to Coordinator
Daniel first began volunteering with CAC’s VITA Program in 2014 and stepped into the part-time position of Site Coordinator in 2022. In this role, he leads one of CAC’s most technical and deadline-driven volunteer efforts. Daniel recruits and supports volunteer tax preparers, helping them complete training and earn IRS certifications. He also ensures the program meets all IRS quality standards and compliance requirements.
We recently caught up with Daniel after another successful tax season to learn more about what keeps him engaged and motivated year after year.
What first inspired you get involved with CAC and what keeps you coming back?
For a long time, I’ve been interested in how the tax code works, and I’m always looking for ways to help people in my community. The VITA program was the perfect way to combine those two interests. After my first year, I was hooked on solving the puzzle of getting each client the best possible refund within the rules of the tax code, while demystifying the process of filing taxes that can often feel overwhelming.
Do you have a favorite memory or experience that has stayed with you?
The people we assist are the best part of our work. I once had a client arrive in a panic, needing to complete not just one tax return, but five years’ worth. Our volunteer team stepped in and worked with this client to complete all five returns. The client left feeling very confident, in control and incredibly relieved.
What would surprise people about CAC’s VITA Program?
Many people are surprised to learn that this IRS-supported program is entirely free and that it focuses on empowering clients with knowledge. Beyond filing returns, CAC’s VITA Program helps individuals understand their tax situation, plan for future filings and know how to pay any past balance, and take advance of tax benefits when saving for retirement.
What keeps you returning to CAC’s VITA Program every tax season?
I get to hear stories from around the community and around the world. These are stories of joy and hardship. It reminds me what it means to be human. This is a place where you not only volunteer for the community, you become part of the community itself. That sense of purpose keeps me coming back year after year.
You can learn more about CAC’s VITA program here. To become a VITA volunteer, contact us at vita@ourcac.org. Check out all our volunteer opportunities at https://ourcac.org/volunteer/.