FWHFC Tax Assistance & Financial Stability Program
Far West Helping Foundation Corp (FWHFC) is preparing a professional, community-centered Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program to provide free tax preparation, taxpayer education, and financial stability support for low-income and underserved families across Florida.
Core Counties
Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Brevard, and Lee County.
CPA Support
Professional tax knowledge and technical oversight to support quality and compliance.
Projected Returns
Program goal to scale service delivery for thousands of eligible taxpayers.
Program Analysis & Community Need
Many low-income individuals need trusted help to prepare taxes correctly, understand available tax credits, and connect to services that can improve their lives.
Financial Barriers
Families may miss refunds, Earned Income Tax Credits, Child Tax Credits, or other benefits because they cannot afford professional tax preparation or do not understand the process.
Access Barriers
Seniors, disabled individuals, limited-English speakers, and families without transportation may have difficulty reaching reliable tax assistance services.
Education Gaps
Tax preparation should also teach families how refunds, credits, budgeting, and financial planning can support long-term stability.
Our Program Goals
- Provide free, accurate tax preparation for eligible low-income taxpayers.
- Increase awareness of EITC, Child Tax Credit, and other tax benefits.
- Educate taxpayers so they understand their return before filing.
- Connect families to housing, food, transportation, disaster support, and other FWHFC programs.
- Build a trained volunteer workforce supported by professional oversight.
Who We Will Serve
- Low-to-moderate-income individuals and families
- Seniors and elderly taxpayers
- Persons with disabilities
- Limited English proficiency taxpayers
- Disaster-impacted households
- Underserved and hard-to-reach communities
How the Program Will Run
FWHFC will operate the program with structured intake, professional support, trained volunteers, quality review, and community follow-up.
Community Outreach
FWHFC will reach low-income communities through partners, faith-based organizations, community events, digital outreach, flyers, referrals, and multilingual awareness campaigns.
Appointment & Intake
Taxpayers will be scheduled for service, screened for eligibility, and guided through document preparation in a respectful and organized process.
Tax Preparation Support
IRS-certified volunteers and trained program staff will assist taxpayers with eligible returns under VITA program standards.
CPA Technical Oversight
Certified Public Accountants will support training, technical guidance, compliance, and quality control to help ensure accuracy and professionalism.
Taxpayer Education
Each taxpayer will receive clear explanation of the filing process, eligible credits, refund expectations, and basic financial education.
Referral to Additional Support
When families need more help, FWHFC will connect them to housing support, food assistance, transportation, disaster recovery, and other community programs.
CPA Oversight & Professional Knowledge
FWHFC understands that quality tax preparation requires trained people, strong supervision, and professional accountability.
Wisnel Lubin, CPA
VITA Program Technical Coordinator
- Volunteer training assistance
- Quality review support
- Tax compliance guidance
- Program coordination assistance
- Technical support for VITA operations
Professional Support Model
FWHFC will use CPA knowledge and trained volunteers to help ensure taxpayers receive accurate, respectful, and understandable service. The program will focus on both preparation and education, so families understand what is being filed and how tax benefits may support their financial stability.
Program Instruction & Taxpayer Education
This program is not only about filing returns. It is about teaching people, supporting families, and helping communities grow stronger.
Before Filing
- Explain required documents
- Review intake checklist
- Confirm taxpayer eligibility
- Prepare taxpayers for filing
During Filing
- Explain tax return steps
- Review eligible credits
- Answer taxpayer questions
- Support accurate filing
After Filing
- Explain refund process
- Provide financial education
- Offer referrals to FWHFC programs
- Support next-step planning
Online Registration & Class Scheduling
After funding is awarded and program setup is activated, FWHFC will open online registration so eligible participants can register, select a schedule, verify required information, and prepare to attend tax assistance sessions or taxpayer education classes.
How Participants Will Register
- Participant visits the FWHFC VITA Program page online.
- Participant clicks the registration button.
- Participant completes the eligibility and intake form.
- Participant selects an available appointment or class schedule.
- FWHFC confirms the schedule and provides instructions for required documents.
Program Start Notice
FWHFC will begin participant registration and scheduling as soon as funding is received and program operations are approved for launch. The online system will help participants verify their information, understand what documents to bring, and attend the correct service session.
View Program Schedule Required DocumentsParticipant Pathway: From Online Registration to Service
FWHFC will use an organized online process to guide each participant from registration to service completion.
Online Registration Opens
Once funding is received and the program is ready to launch, FWHFC will activate online registration for eligible taxpayers and community participants.
Eligibility & Intake Review
Participants will provide basic information so FWHFC can determine appropriate service type, document needs, language assistance, accessibility needs, and appointment availability.
Schedule Confirmation
Participants will receive a scheduled time for tax assistance, taxpayer education, or program orientation. Schedules will be managed online for easier tracking and communication.
Attend Class or Tax Session
Participants will attend their assigned service session where trained volunteers, staff, and CPA-supported oversight will help guide the process.
Follow-Up Support
After the session, participants may receive follow-up guidance, financial education resources, and referrals to other FWHFC support programs where appropriate.
Quality Assurance & Compliance
- IRS certification for volunteers as required
- Quality review before returns are finalized
- Secure taxpayer document handling
- CPA-supported technical guidance
- Internal monitoring and recordkeeping
- Respectful and confidential service delivery
Volunteer Management
- Recruit community volunteers
- Train volunteers in IRS VITA standards
- Assign volunteers by role and skill level
- Use site coordinators for daily operations
- Track volunteer hours for match documentation
- Support retention through recognition and mentoring
Pathway Beyond Taxes
FWHFC will use the VITA program as a doorway to broader community stability. When families come for tax help, we will also help identify other needs and connect them to support.
Housing Stability
Families needing rent, housing navigation, or stabilization support may be referred to FWHFC housing-related services and partner resources.
Food & Essential Needs
Families experiencing hardship may be connected to food support, clothing, community resources, and emergency assistance referrals.
Transportation Support
Where transportation is a barrier, FWHFC will explore support options to improve access to tax services and other essential programs.
Program Sustainability Strategy
FWHFC is building the program for long-term success, not only one tax season.
Long-Term Capacity
- Develop annual volunteer training pipeline
- Strengthen CPA and professional support
- Build recurring community partner relationships
- Expand service sites based on community need
Performance Tracking
- Number of taxpayers served
- Number of returns completed
- Refund and tax credit impact
- Volunteer hours and training completion
- Community referrals and follow-up outcomes
Community Life Change Vision
FWHFC believes tax assistance can be a turning point for families. By combining professional tax support, education, financial guidance, and access to additional community programs, FWHFC will help low-income individuals move forward with dignity, confidence, and opportunity.
Contact FWHFC Visit WebsiteFar West Helping Foundation Corp (FWHFC)
Empowering Lives. Strengthening Communities.
P.O. Box 695085
Miami, FL 33269-2085
Email: info@fwhfc.org | fwhfcadmin@fwhfc.org
Website: www.fwhfc.org
Service Areas
Miami-Dade • Broward • Palm Beach • Brevard • Lee County
This page describes FWHFC’s proposed VITA Program Expansion Initiative and community service model for low-income and underserved taxpayers.