United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties announces the opening of the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program for the upcoming tax season, February 3 – April 15, 2022.

The United Way VITA program is an IRS-supported tax preparation service, through which trained volunteers prepare taxes at no cost for qualifying individuals and families. The VITA program, along with My Free Taxes, connects community members with eligible credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a benefit for working people with incomes under $70,000 and can mean more resources for essential needs such as reliable transportation, housing, and food.

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According to Debbie Curtis, United Way’s VITA program coordinator, the program "is a wonderful example of how United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties works to improve the financial stability of everyone in our community, by helping to keep money in taxpayer pockets.

"We are able to offer this free service to qualified families and individuals through the assistance of very committed volunteers," Curtis added.

During United Way’s 2021 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, more than 1,300 tax returns were completed, resulting in a $1,800,000 investment through tax refunds, as well as $474,349 in reduced tax prep fees, for a total economic impact of over $2,288,884 in Rutherford and Cannon counties. Through combined efforts with My Free Taxes, a free online filing service, the economic impact from the VITA program has consistently increased each year.

Since the VITA program’s inception in 2012, more than $12M has been invested back into Rutherford and Cannon counties through tax refunds.

Volunteer opportunities are still available, as well as appointments for assistance. For more information, visit yourlocaluw.org or call (615) 893-7303.

You can find more information about the ribbon cutting on the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce website, or at the following link: https://bit.ly/33Z6Lwz

About United Way

United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for a better life for all. United Way focuses on education, health and financial stability – the building blocks for a good quality of life. United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise, and resources needed to get things done through giving, advocating, and volunteering.