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.

This year, Virtual VITA continues! VITA services are available virtually, for your safety and that of VITA volunteers.
¡Este año, Virtual VITA continúa! Los servicios de VITA están disponibles virtualmente, para su seguridad y la de los voluntarios de VITA.

Qualified, IRS-certified volunteers provide tax preparation services that are completely free to households that earn less than $57,000 last year. United Way partners with local agencies and the Connecticut Association of Human Services (CAHS) to make this program available in our region.

 

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS

  • For VITA services, visit CAHS' website (English or Espanol) for guidance and to find a VITA site in your city or town. Services are provided in multiple languages.
     
  • Clients provide the necessary paperwork to complete the federal and state tax returns. Danbury VITA has a helpful checklist of what documents and information you need to file your taxes this year.
     
  • Qualified, IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers complete the 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

  •   1,581 filers in Western Connecticut had their tax returns prepared for free in 2020 through VITA and MyFreeTaxes
     
  •   $2.9 million in total federal refunds were returned to taxpayers served by the program in the region served by United Way of Western Connecticut
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  •   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 1,500 residents of our area had their taxes prepared for free and received all relevant tax credits and deductions.

Supported by United Way, VITA put more than $2.9 million in federal tax refunds back into the pockets of the people we serve. More than $786,000 in Earned Income Tax Credits were returned to taxpayers across our region. Thanks to all the volunteers who make this program 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 Fitness

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