Strengthening Low-Income Communities Through Free Tax Prep

Millions of low-income Americans work hard for wages but face obstacles in filing their taxes.  In cases where people don’t owe taxes, they often don’t realize that they are entitled to tax refunds – refunds that can have a huge positive impact on a family that is struggling financially. 

This is where the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program comes in. Built on public-private partnerships and led by the IRS, the VITA program trains and certifies volunteers to help low- and moderate-income families who cannot afford the fees for professional tax services but who still need assistance to accurately complete their taxes. Each year, tens of thousands of IRS-certified volunteers – working at sites in every state nationwide – assist individuals and families of limited means; those with disabilities; and those with limited English proficiency to accurately fulfill their tax obligations. These volunteers also ensure that households can claim and keep the full amount of any tax credits which they have earned and are eligible for, including tax credits like the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) which have been expanded even further through the American Rescue Plan. 

The VITA program provides a trusted service for individuals who are hesitant to interact with the government, such as individuals who have been incarcerated or recent immigrants. In addition, VITA sites connect clients to resources like bank accounts or health coverage programs, which may be particularly important for households of color who face barriers to accessing those resources.  

ADD VITA POLICY CONTENT FROM BARBARA