Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Free Tax Preparation Services
In partnership with the IRS and local community coalitions, CAHS coordinates an annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Campaign across Fairfield, New Haven, New London, Middlesex, and Litchfield Counties.
A national program, VITA provides free tax preparation services to low-to-moderate-income individuals and families earning less than $56,000 a year. IRS-trained volunteers are certified to prepare simple tax returns, and screen customers for special tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Retirement Savings Contribution Credit (Saver's Credit), that can help them to make ends meet. Visiting a VITA site instead of a paid tax preparer saves each filer an average of $200. Taxes can be filed electronically, in which case refunds are received within 7-10 days.
About the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
The EITC is widely regarded as the single most effective poverty-reduction program for working families in the United States. Working families with incomes up to $55,952 (depending on household size) qualify for the federal EITC, which may provide a credit of up to $6,557. A combination of free tax preparation services at a VITA site and the potentially large return from the EITC can really help to boost a family’s tight budget. The EITC can also provide the opportunity for a family to begin saving for the future, paying down debt, or investing in assets such as a home, small business, or higher education.
To find out if you qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), visit the IRS website.
Virtual VITA
To reduce the spread of the Coronavirus, many of our in-person VITA sites have closed. In an effort to continue to serve low-to-moderate income taxpayers, we are offering virtual tax assistance to those who still need to file. Virtual VITA is here to serve your tax and EIP non-filers needs!
The CAHS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Campaign is Funded By:
