116 3rd St SE
Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program brings back $2.8 million in tax returns
Free tax preparation program brings over $2.8 million in returns to Eastern Iowa
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Volunteers with a free tax-preparation program returned more than $2.8 million to residents in a five-county area in the 2024 tax year.
Volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helped prepare 2,025 returns with more than $2.3 million in federal refund dollars brought back to the community. More than $480,000 in state refund dollars were also returned, the United Way of East Central Iowa said in a press release.
One of the goals of VITA is to build economic mobility in East Central Iowa, one of UWECI’s focus areas based on the needs in our community. The nonprofit serves a five-county area including Benton, Cedar, Linn, Jones, and Iowa counties.
“Our VITA program is truly amazing,” Kristin Roberts, UWECI President and CEO, said. “The work these volunteers do to help build economic mobility in our community is valuable. It brings me great joy to hear so many stories from volunteers about how this program educates residents on applicable tax credits, leading to tremendous refunds that can help families get back on their feet and build a thriving community.”
Throughout tax season, United Way of East Central Iowa offers a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free assistance on tax returns to eligible residents.
Mark Polking is a VITA volunteer and was one of the site coordinators this season. One impactful moment for Polking was when he worked with a client who was grateful for the resources the VITA program provided her.
“We try to provide some tax education during the appointments and explain why the various numbers are the way they are,” Polking said. “Her eyes were getting wider and wider when I told her the combined amount of her two refunds. She put her head into her hands and started crying. After a pause, she looked up and said, ‘You just changed my life, and I can’t thank you enough.’”
There were 78 volunteers at nine sites who contribute about 5,158 volunteer hours to this year’s program. The program is supported by Transamerica and Wells Fargo.
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