This year, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City’s economic wellbeing team offered free tax services to refugee families through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. This year, IRC staff and volunteers helped local families prepare 110 tax returns and provided support for 30-40 additional individuals who had questions about their taxes. Families greatly benefitted from the service with tax refunds averaging around $12,000—the highest average the IRC in Salt Lake City has documented since first offering VITA services—a tremendous boost to increase household stability and help families plan for the future.  

Avanti Parchand, a VITA support volunteer, saw firsthand the difference that this program was able to make for refugee families in the community. Avanti began her efforts as an IRC volunteer as a chance to connect with people after working remotely during the pandemic.“During COVID, we were all working from home and it was limiting my social access to people. It got suffocating, and finally my therapist that I volunteer,” said Avanti. Through volunteering, she hoped to better connect herself with the community and give back to others. As a VITA support volunteer, Avanti was able to focus on a seasonal opportunity while putting her analytical talents to use for others. VITA support volunteers were able to help refugee families navigate the increasingly complex U.S. tax system, ensuring accurate submissions and increasing benefits by maximizing return potential.  Avanti originally came to the United States from India and empathized with families facing the challenges of learning new systems while learning a new language. Often, Avanti worked with families with limited English skills, increasing the need for patience on both sides as the tax forms were completed and supporting documentation was supplied. 

person sitting on the desk with a tax form on zoom with a client.
VITA support volunteers helped over 100 refugee families and individuals submit their annual tax return free of charge.
Photo: James Roh

During tax season, Avanti gave three hours of her time each Wednesday as a VITA support volunteer. “I had so much joy seeing them receive their tax refunds,” said Avanti. “During this process, I would love to meet all the people. I supported an 80-year-old gentleman that was fluent in English, but was not in computer literacy. I was able to help him do his taxes right, which felt really good.” Another family that stood out in Avanti’s memory was a single mom who came in with four daughters. Avanti was so happy to see the mother prove to her daughters that women are empowered and capable while helping them begin to learn about the country they live in.  

Avanti plans to continue supporting the work of the IRC in Salt Lake City as a volunteer.  The reason she came to the IRC to volunteer was not only for the human aspect but to utilize her time for good. Avanti now spreads the word about volunteering at the IRC through her networks and with her colleagues. “[Volunteering for the IRC] gave me insight into how the organization works. I like how people are connected with each other at the IRC. You can tell they always put the clients first,” Avanti said. Through her experiences, she is now able to advocate and educate others about the work of the IRC.  

The IRC in Salt Lake City has volunteer opportunities of all shapes and sizes! With both in-person and remote opportunities, it is simple to find a program area that fits you best. Learn more about current volunteer opportunities available at the IRC in Salt Lake City by visiting Rescue.org/VolunteerSLC.