5 Things to Know for VITA’s 50th Birthday

1.  Non-spoiler alert: this year, VITA turns 50! The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program began operation in 1969, and provides free, high-quality tax preparation for low to moderate-income taxpayers. VITA is powered by IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers.

2.   VITA brings back billions of dollars to communities across the country. VITA’s stellar volunteer preparers help hardworking Americans to access the credits they’ve earned, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. These refundable credits allow recipients to become financially stable by expanding their income enough to pay for rent, reliable transportation to work, and groceries. In 2018, thousands of VITA volunteers prepared millions of returns, and brought back $1.9 billion to communities across the country.

Reports from the IRS indicate that 731 Federal tax returns were filed by VITA partners funded by Berkshire United Way last year, returning $1million out of $2.2 million VITA dollars returned to Berkshire County residents. Thank you to Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity and the Hilltown Community Development Corporation for joining us in this effort!

3.  Congress recently increased funding for the VITA program. In the latest spending package to pass Congress (FY19), funding for the VITA program was increased by 20% to $18 million. We’re grateful that decision makers recognize the value of VITA and the service it provides to our community, please join us in thanking Congress for their support! 

4.  Most VITA programs operate at full capacity. While the recent increase in funding was great news, the truth is that many VITA programs operate at full capacity and are not able to serve all those eligible in their communities. Therefore, we’re calling on Congress to further shore up investments in the program for Fiscal Year 2020. Join us by adding your organization to this sign-on letter, and by sending an email to your Member of Congress. 

5.  VITA is not a permanent program. Since 2008 VITA has been a demonstration pilot program. Congress has to authorize it every year. We think a great 50^th birthday present from Congress would be to make the program permanent! Ask your Member of Congress today!

To make your appointment for free tax prep through the VITA program, please call us at 413.442.6948 today!

Julie Singley

Program Manager, Community Impact

berkshireunitedway.org