By Andi Gates
Tax season is around the corner, but don’t worry, United Way of Lancaster County is here to help! For more than two decades, our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has provided free, high-quality tax preparation to individuals and families earning $70,000 or less.
This service saves taxpayers an average of $273 in preparation fees, and last year alone VITA helped Lancaster County residents save more than $2.4 million. Even more impressive? The program is powered entirely by volunteers.
Want to know how you can make a difference with VITA?
Volunteering
There are several ways to volunteer with VITA, whether as a tax preparer, greeter, or site coordinator.
Because VITA operates at locations across Lancaster County (not at the United Way offices), site coordinators are essential for overseeing daily operations. Greeters welcome clients, offer translation support, and help keep things running smoothly. And of course, tax preparers work one on one with clients to ensure they receive the refunds and credits they deserve.
All volunteers receive training before assisting clients or managing a site. No prior experience is necessary since VITA provides everything you need. All you need is a willingness to learn, a can-do attitude and the desire to make a difference.
Interested in volunteering with VITA? We are always looking for passionate volunteers to help build financial stability for our neighbors. Visit the VITA webpage to start your volunteer journey today.
Meet the Program Manager
Ed Bowman first joined VITA as a volunteer in 2014. He served through 2016, took a break, and returned to volunteering in 2023 before stepping into his current role of Program Manager.
“Being an accounting student helped expose me to taxes,” Bowman said, “one of my professors brought the VITA program to Millersville University. He’s a tax attorney so he was able to show me what a career in taxes would look like versus one in the accounting profession. After my first VITA season I switched [my focus] from accounting to taxes.”
He officially joined VITA in 2024 as the Program Tax Manager and was promoted to Program Manager in 2025. His years of volunteer service gave him valuable experience before moving into an administrative role with the program.
Bowman has big plans for the program that includes a bigger focus on financial literacy.
“VITA is more than a tax program. There are educational components that we are encouraged to create for the public. My goal is to build a personal financial training for our clients and students as a way to help impact the households in our surrounding community,” he said.
Financial literacy education is important not only for volunteers preparing taxes but for the entire community. This knowledge helps reduce the intimidation, anxiety, and confusion often associated with filing taxes. The VITA program simplifies the process, making it possible for volunteers with no prior tax background to provide meaningful support to those in need.
“My time at United Way of Lancaster County has provided the opportunity for me to work directly with those in need of my skills,” said Bowman while reflecting on his time with the organization. “I get to see the immediate results of my work and knowledge due to me being able to see the person and not just their documents.”
