Hartford, CT April 8, 2024 – With the tax season ending, the Central and Northeastern VITA Coalition (comprised of United Way, The Village and Human Resources Agency of New Britain) and State Representatives encourage qualified families to take advantage of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) services to file their taxes. VITA is a free, professional and trusted resource that offers free federal and state income tax preparation and filing for Connecticut residents with annual household incomes of up to $64,000. The tax deadline is Tuesday, April 15.
The Coalition also announced that more appointments and capacity have been added to tax sites for the benefit of the qualified filers.
“United Way plays a critical role in the VITA campaign across our region to support qualified families. VITA illustrates how United Way convenes partners and mobilizes volunteers to make sure this program is available to help families achieve financial security,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “We also would like to recognize the collaborative work of our VITA Coalition partners, The Village for Families & Children and Human Resource Agency of New Britian, and the hundreds of volunteers who dedicate their time and effort to get IRS-certified and prepare and file state and federal taxes for people in our communities. Together, we are closing financial gaps and creating opportunities for local families to achieve financial stability.”
As of March 29, 2024, the VITA Coalition has prepared and filed tax returns for nearly 10,300 households, which has returned nearly $16 million dollars back to our community in tax refunds and credits. From these funds $8.3 million are related to the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit alone.
“The Earned Income Tax Credit is direct relief for low-to-moderate income workers who are providing for their families,” Governor Ned Lamont said. “This year, we’ve increased the tax credit to the highest in its history in an effort to ensure that families have more money in their pocket for things like medical care, food, and other essential needs. I strongly urge all of those who may qualify for this assistance to learn about this tax credit and claim it. Our partners at the United Way are operating VITA sites across the state to help people claim it on their tax returns,” shared Governor Ned Lamont.
A key element of the VITA programs is its volunteers. Each year hundreds get certified by the IRS and provide their support.
“VITA volunteers are hard at work right here in this building helping families file taxes for free as the deadline fast approaches,” said Hector Glynn, President & CEO at The Village for Families & Children, about one of The Village’s sites at 331 Wethersfield Avenue, Hartford. “Each year, our volunteers provide a free financial lifeline to nearly 10,000 families. Volunteers’ support is helping families get every available credit to keep more funds in their pockets and easing financial anxiety from challenges like inflation.”
Eligible tax filers can visit 211ct.org/taxhelp to schedule their VITA appointments or dial 2-1-1, press 3 then 6. MyFreeTaxes.com is also available for people who prefer to file securely on their own. This service is at no-cost offering powered by United Way. Filers with annual household income of up to $79,000 are eligible to prepare and submit their state and federal tax returns using MyFreeTaxes.com.
“The City of Hartford is proud to be part of and support the VITA Coalition. We know the positive impact that these coalitions have in our community and there’s no doubt how Hartford is strengthened by them,” shared Shay Ajayi, Chief Operating Officer at the City of Hartford.
“We are proud to partner with United Way on this effort. Supporting our community and providing the tools they need to achieve financial stability is a priority for us at HRA,” said Dr. Marlo Greponne, Executive Director, Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc.
For a complete list of required documents needed for VITA Tax Preparation, go to https://uwc.211ct.org/vita-docs/.