Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
VITA sites are now offering limited in-person and drop off services by appointment only through 211, and an online process through GetYourRefund.org where you can electronically submit you and your household’s information and any necessary documents to file your tax return. Once submitted you will be contacted by a Volunteer to assist you with the completion of your tax return. For more information, please contact the VITA Program Coordinator, Jenny Vongxay by email at jvongxay@cahs.org.
Takima Robinson, Director of Asset Building Programs, recently sent a press release regarding the VITA program's aim to help Bridgeport households struggling to make ends meet file their State and Federal Taxes for free. She also appeared on NBC Connecticut to discuss the VITA program (video below).
Are You Eligible for Free Tax Preparation? CT Volunteers Ready to Help
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 $57,000 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.
Volunteer Opportunities
The VITA program is currently seeking individuals to fill several positions. Training will be provided. For more information contact Jenny Vongxay, VITA Program Coordinator, at jvongxay@cahs.org, 860-951-2212 x246 or Tori Hamilton, VITA Outreach Coordinator, at thamilton@cahs.org, 860-951-2212 x230.
- SCHEDULER - Assist in collecting data, verifying information, and making appointments for taxpayers accessing VITA services. Provide administrative support and technical assistance as required.
- GREETER - Screen all customers requesting tax assistance, identifying the type of return and tax schedules each taxpayer will need assistance with, and ensure they have all necessary information/documentation required to complete the return.
- TAX PREPARER – Provide (in-person* and/or virtual) free tax return preparation for eligible taxpayers. Provide high quality service and uphold the highest ethical standards to establish and ensure the greatest degree of accuracy and public trust.
- SITE COORDINATOR - Coordinate, organize and supervise all aspects of the VITA program, which includes management of the VITA site during the tax filing season.
- TAX SAVINGS SPECIALIST – Support Volunteer Tax Preparers by promoting options to clients to consider saving, financial education, and financial coaching.
*Due to COVID-19 and restrictions to in-person services, volunteers may need their own laptop/computer to assist clients virtually/remotely and a reliable phone for correspondence.
Takima Robinson, Director of Asset Building Programs, recently spoke with Wanda Coppage at 94.3 WYBC about volunteer opportunities. Listen to their conversation here.
Read Governor Lamont's press release on the Virtual VITA program.
The CAHS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Campaign is Funded By:
