Boston Tax Help Coalition Celebrates 2026 Tax Volunteers

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~ On Wednesday, May 20, The Haven in Jamaica Plain was bustling with over 100 volunteers, partners, and City of Boston staff as they gathered for the Boston Tax Help Coalition (BTHC) Volunteer Appreciation event. This annual event serves to recognize and honor the dedication and hard work of the volunteers who make the BTHC's mission possible.

The BTHC is a coalition of organizations that provide free tax preparation services to low-income individuals and families in the Greater Boston area. Each year, they rely on a team of dedicated volunteers to help them achieve their goal of providing accessible and accurate tax assistance to those in need.

This year, the Coalition named Kevin Korzeniewski as their 2026 Volunteer of the Year. Kevin's involvement with VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) began back in 2008 when he was a law student. After returning to the Boston area, he saw an ad for Free Tax Help on the MBTA and knew it was a sign for him to get involved once again.

Since then, Kevin has been a consistent presence at DotHouse Health in Dorchester during tax season. He has earned his advanced certification every year and commits up to three days a week, four hours at a time. Over three seasons, his dedication has amounted to over 400 hours of service.

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Carshena B., DotHouse's Site Coordinator, describes Kevin as "a pillar of the site" due to his unwavering commitment and consistency. Living in Dorchester himself, Kevin is drawn back each season by the opportunity to work alongside other volunteers and train new ones. DotHouse is part of a collaboration between BTHC and Professor Jeffrey Leafer at Curry College where over 17 accounting students participated in VITA this past season.

Kevin takes great pride in working with these students who are often filing their own taxes for the first time. He notes that they are "eager to help out" and he enjoys being able to guide and support them in their volunteer work.

One particular appointment has stayed with Kevin throughout his three years of volunteering. A mother came in with her two young children, feeling stressed and pressed for time. It was her first visit to DotHouse, and Kevin worked diligently on her return. When he discovered that she qualified for the Earned Income Tax Credit, the refund she received brought her to tears.

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"It was really rewarding to see how much it meant to her," Kevin recalls.

His genuine enthusiasm and dedication have not gone unnoticed by his fellow volunteers and site coordinators. Carshena, who nominated him for the award, praises Kevin for building meaningful connections with the individuals they serve and maintaining a positive attitude even when faced with challenges.

"We're proud to honor Kevin as our 2026 Volunteer of the Year," says Carshena.

For anyone considering joining the BTHC's team of volunteers next tax season, Kevin offers some advice: "If you have the energy and passion, don't be scared. Taxes might seem intimidating at first." He also reassures potential volunteers that they will receive training and support from other volunteers and site coordinators who want them to succeed.

To join Kevin and over 340 other volunteers next tax season, individuals can sign up for recruitment updates through the BTHC's website. With dedicated volunteers like Kevin, the BTHC will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need in the Boston community.

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