VITA & MyFreeTaxes.org

United Way of Western CT helps ALICE prosper

PUTTING MONEY BACK IN PEOPLES' POCKETS

United Way of Western Connecticut helps struggling, hard-working families get the tax refunds and credits they are eligible for through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. It brings tax dollars back to lower-wage earners, while bringing funds back into our Western Connecticut communities.

Qualified volunteers provide tax preparation services that are completely free to households that earn less than $55,000 per year.

United Way partners with local agencies and the Connecticut Association of Human Services (CAHS) to make this program available in our region.

Online tax filing is also available through MyFreeTaxes. The program completely free for individuals and families who earn less than $66,000. You can even use it if you file in multiple states, work freelance, have a side gig, or earn investment income. This is the only free, national, online tax filing product offered by a nonprofit. United Way has made it available to over 100 million U.S. taxpayers as part of our fight for the financial stability of every person in every community.


HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

  • Eligible taxpayers call a local VITA site to schedule an appointment. Find a VITA site in your city or town. Services are provided in English, Spanish and Portuguese.
     
  • Clients bring the necessary paperwork with them to complete the federal and state tax returns. Find out what documents are needed.
     
  • Qualified volunteer tax preparers complete the tax returns and ensure that you are getting the tax refunds and credits you are eligible for.
     
  • To use MyFreeTaxes, visit the website and follow the instructions provided. Helpful checklists provide information on the documents you will need to complete your return.


ACCOMPLISHMENTS

  •   1,800 filers in Western Connecticut had their tax returns prepared for free 2018
     
  •   $2.94 million in total federal refunds were returned to taxpayers served by the program in the region served by United Way of Western Connecticut
     
  •   $696,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits stayed in the pockets of lower-wage earners


SUCCESS STORY

Find out more about tax resources for lower-income workers and tax filers.

Successful VITA Season Returns More Than $2 Million to Western CT Taxpayers
Tax season has come and gone once again, but thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, more than 1,800 residents of our area were able to have their taxes prepared for free and ensure that they received all relevant tax credits  and deductions. Supported by United Way, VITA put more than $2.6 million in federal tax refunds back into the pockets of the people we serve. Almost $700,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits were returned to taxpayers across our region. Thanks to all the volunteers who make this problem so successful!

 

United Way of Western Connecticut is proud to support Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs in our community every year and work alongside the Connecticut Association of Human Services (CAHS) and other community partners to provide this service that can put more dollars back into our community. Increasing the amount of Earned Income Tax Credits and returns, while providing a free service to ALICE households, has been shown to improve economic security.

Additional Resources for Greater Financial Stability

Explore additional programs for a more secure financial future and resources for money management and financial stability:

  • The Connecticut Money School (www.ctmoney.org) offers free financial education classes on topics like budgeting, debt, saving, credit and homeownership. For more information, contact Barbara Steadman, 860-951-2212 ext. 244.
  • 2-1-1 (www.211ct.org) offers a comprehensive database of all social service supports available in Connecticut. For more information, visit www.211ct.org or call 2-1-1.