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.

  New: Virtual VITA! VITA services are available virtually, for your safety and that of VITA volunteers

  Access this year's VITA flier here  (note:Tax filing deadline for 2019 returns is now July 15, 2020)

  Access our 2020 United Way Tax Toolkit here

If you live in Greater New Milford or Southern Litchfield County, call Danbury VITA at (203) 826-9517 to make an appointment.

Qualified volunteers provide tax preparation services that are completely free to households that earn less than $56,000 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 is completely free for anyone who is filing a simple return, regardless of income. To find out if you are filing a simple return, visit https://www.myfreetaxes.com/support?q=what-is-a-simple-return


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 to claim.
     
  • 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

  •   2,010 filers in Western Connecticut had their tax returns prepared for free in 2019
     
  •   $2.95 million in total federal refunds were returned to taxpayers served by the program in the region served by United Way of Western Connecticut
     
  •   Approximately $786,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits stayed in the pockets of lower-wage earners


SUCCESS STORY

We're Talking Taxes and sharing the best tax resources.

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:

  • ALICE Saves Program (https://alice.ctunitedway.org/alicesaves/) offers a matched savings program where you can earn up to $60 when you save at least $20 per month for six months, and free access to financial advice through TrustPlus. Visit https://alice.ctunitedway.org/alicesaves/ to get started today!
  • 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.
  • United Way One-on-One Budget Coaching & Workshops (www.uwwesternct.org/foc) offers clients confidential one-on-one budget coaching, credit repair and asset-building.
  • 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.