The COVID-19 pandemic is still taking a hard financial toll on households throughout the country. But thanks to Tygart Valley United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, 608 households received the tax credits they deserved.
For the 2022 tax year, the TVUW VITA program, a drop off and on-site service, allowed clients to have their taxes prepared with ease in all five counties of their region. For West Virginians, maximizing this year’s tax refund is crucial and can help a household survive. 44 IRS-trained and certified volunteers ensured taxpayers received all the credits for which they were eligible and helped put over $576,648 back into the pockets of residents.
“We are proud to offer this service to our region,” said Casey Gilbert, Community Impact Director. “This VITA program is a vital resource to families and individuals throughout the Tygart Valley and we plan to continue to improve and expand the offerings.”
TVUW was thrilled to receive a federal IRS VITA grant to expand the program this year. The grant allowed United Way to expand their program across all five counties and increase offerings. The program is offered annually from January through Tax Day to assist families and individuals with low to moderate incomes prepare their tax returns for free. With no cost to clients, households could save an average of $250 in tax preparation fees, amounting in over $152,000 saved.
“Receiving tax refunds and eligible credits is a critical financial need for families and individuals alike,” added Gilbert.
The site prepared and filed a total of 608 tax returns, with an average refund of $1,249 per household. Residents received $146,226 in Earned Income Tax Credits, $112,367 in Child Tax Credits, and $15,792 in Education Tax Credits. While many families are counting every penny to pay for essentials, they can now use this money to purchase groceries, cover rent or mortgage payments, or rebuild emergency savings.
This program would not be possible without the support of partners, including EQT Foundation, Huntington Banks, WV Alliance for Sustainable Families, MVB Bank, West Virginia University, Tucker County Board of Education, Salvation Army, Alderson Broaddus University, Randolph County Development Authority, and the IRS-certified volunteers who generously contributed their time.
If you would like to learn more about becoming a VITA volunteer or sponsor, please contact Nathan Terry, Program Manager at (304) 366-4550, Ext 108 or email nathan@tvunitedway.org.
