What is VITA?
VITA stands for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
What does VITA do?
VITA provides low- and moderate-income individuals and families with free, reliable tax preparation assistance. Because there is no cost to clients, this saves each household an average of $273 in tax preparation fees. In 2019, VITA volunteers nationwide prepared millions of tax returns, resulting in more than $1.8 billion returning to local communities. Here in Erie County, VITA clients received over $12 million in refunds. These refunds are important because families can use the money to buy groceries, pay bills, and build emergency savings.
Why does the VITA program need your support?
In 2019 the Taxpayer First Act made VITA a permanent program and ensured that millions of taxpayers can count on this critical program for many tax seasons to come. However, COVID-19 means that many more families are experiencing economic strain and the demand for free, reliable tax preparation services is increasing. In order to meet that demand, VITA sites across the country need an additional $12 million in emergency funding.
How can I help?
Use the tool to the right to send an email to your members of Congress OR tweet at them! While UWBEC is regularly talking with our elected officials, there is strength in numbers. They will notice when a number of constituents reach out to them about an issue. Feel free to share a personal experience or story of how the VITA program has been important to you and why free and reliable tax preparation is vital to millions of Americans. Messages with a personal note are more likely to get noticed!
After you have sent your message, please send this alert to 5 friends or families and encourage them to contact their elected officials also!
About this Campaign
This campaign is a part of UWBEC's Summer of Caring. Summer of Caring is an eight-week event where you will learn more about our community and ways you can help. To learn more about Summer of Caring visit www.uwbec.org/summer.
.jpg)
VITA stands for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
What does VITA do?
VITA provides low- and moderate-income individuals and families with free, reliable tax preparation assistance. Because there is no cost to clients, this saves each household an average of $273 in tax preparation fees. In 2019, VITA volunteers nationwide prepared millions of tax returns, resulting in more than $1.8 billion returning to local communities. Here in Erie County, VITA clients received over $12 million in refunds. These refunds are important because families can use the money to buy groceries, pay bills, and build emergency savings.
Why does the VITA program need your support?
In 2019 the Taxpayer First Act made VITA a permanent program and ensured that millions of taxpayers can count on this critical program for many tax seasons to come. However, COVID-19 means that many more families are experiencing economic strain and the demand for free, reliable tax preparation services is increasing. In order to meet that demand, VITA sites across the country need an additional $12 million in emergency funding.
How can I help?
Use the tool to the right to send an email to your members of Congress OR tweet at them! While UWBEC is regularly talking with our elected officials, there is strength in numbers. They will notice when a number of constituents reach out to them about an issue. Feel free to share a personal experience or story of how the VITA program has been important to you and why free and reliable tax preparation is vital to millions of Americans. Messages with a personal note are more likely to get noticed!
After you have sent your message, please send this alert to 5 friends or families and encourage them to contact their elected officials also!
About this Campaign
This campaign is a part of UWBEC's Summer of Caring. Summer of Caring is an eight-week event where you will learn more about our community and ways you can help. To learn more about Summer of Caring visit www.uwbec.org/summer.