More than 13,000 tax filers received free tax preparation and filing services from hundreds of IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, resulting in nearly $28 million in refunds and credits being returned to Connecticut communities thanks to the 2023 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) campaign.
The central and northeastern Connecticut VITA coalition includes support from United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, The Village for Families & Children (The Village) and Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. (HRA). VITA helps individuals and families get ahead financially, pay down debt and work toward saving for the future.
The VITA campaign is available at no cost to individuals and families during the tax season with 2023 household incomes up to $64,000. Across central and northeastern Connecticut, nearly $5 million of Connecticut Child Tax Credit and $6.8 million of federal and state Earned Income Tax credits were claimed, according to IRS reporting.
“United Way is committed to ending poverty in all its forms through innovative partnerships and leveraging public and private support to create game changing solutions. For two decades, our United Way has been a leader in our VITA coalition which helps filers access the critical tax refunds they’ve earned to help lift people out of poverty. We are also proud to advocate with United Ways across our state for a Child Tax Credit to support families in the 860 region and beyond,” said Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut. “A vital piece of this program is our volunteers. We are always deeply grateful for our volunteers, as without their time and talent in service to our community, VITA would not be able to support thousands of local families,” added Harrison.
VITA supports families in three keyways: saving money as IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file their taxes for free, families receive a well-needed boost when they can receive all the credits and refunds they have earned, and finally they receive financial resources that help them manage their budgets, set financial goals and many more.
“The Village is proud to have helped unlock millions of dollars for families in Greater Hartford. We know that this money goes directly to meeting their basic needs, oftentimes assisting with rent, car repairs and groceries. By reducing financial stress, we can improve overall wellness for families and children. We’re grateful for all the volunteers who made this possible and are already planning for next year!” said Hector Glynn, President and CEO, The Village.
“HRA is happy to provide a free service to help many low-income families who otherwise would be challenged to pay to have their taxes done. We are pleased especially to help families access the refunds and credits like EITC that they have due. For many, it is a well-deserved reward for the work they do to support their households. It makes a true difference to families living on a budget,” said Dr. Marlo Greponne, Executive Director, HRA of New Britain.
VITA volunteers are still filing returns for taxpayers with annual household incomes up to $64,000 that qualify for VITA, including tax filers who received tax forms (such as a W2) late or filed for an extension. Filers seeking assistance in Greater Hartford should call The Village VITA assistance hotline at 860.971.4750, while filers seeking assistance in New Britain and the surrounding areas should call HRA of New Britain at 860.826.2278.