As the price of household goods and services continues to rise, many families are faced with difficult spending choices each day. 
With Tygart Valley United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, one less burden is taken off their shoulders.
For the 2024 filing season, the TVUW VITA program provided free tax services to 838 households. For West Virginians, maximizing this year’s tax refund is crucial and can help a household survive. 40 IRS-trained and certified volunteers ensured taxpayers received all the credits for which they were eligible and helped put over $904,447 back into the pockets of residents.
“We were excited to see many new and returning faces this tax season,” said Casey Gilbert, Community Impact Director. “It means a lot to know that our community sees the VITA program as a trusted and valuable resource for such an important part of their financial wellbeing.”
With the support of a federal IRS VITA grant, the organization was able to add new partner sites and serve more taxpayers. The sites saw West Virginians from across 11 counties throughout the North-Central region. 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 $350 in tax preparation fees, amounting to over $293,000 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 838 state and federal tax returns, with an average refund of $1,876 per household. Residents received $138,079 in Earned Income Tax Credits, $108,105 in Child Tax Credits, and $10,619 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 the IRS, EQT Foundation, AmeriCorps NCCC, Mountaineer Area Council BSA, Huntington Banks, WV Alliance for Sustainable Families, MVB Bank, West Virginia University, Pierpont Community and Technical College, Barbour County Community Garden Market, Five Rivers Public Library, Taylor County Senior Center, 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.
