United Way of South Central Tennessee has announced the opening of the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program for the upcoming tax season, Jan. 31 – April 12, 2025. This aligns with National EITC Awareness Day on Jan. 31, with this year being the 50^th year of Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) available for American workers.

According to the IRS, the EITC “helps low- to moderate-income workers and families get a tax break. If you qualify, you can use the credit to reduce the taxes you owe – and maybe increase your refund.” The EITC is a benefit for working people with at least one dependent and can mean more resources for essential needs such as reliable transportation, housing, and food. The EITC is the third largest government benefit program behind Social Security and Medicare.

Families that are eligible for the EITC are typically low- to moderate-income workers that could most benefit from additional financial support. For many in our community, like Cassandra, this funding is life changing.

In 2024, Cassandra made an appointment with United Way’s VITA program for free tax prep services. The working mother of two received $4,483 in Earned Income Tax Credit and says that this refund credit has made a big difference in how she can support in family. Her 12-year-old son can now attend after-school programs while she works. She was excited to purchase him a new pair of tennis shoes, which are much needed for a growing teenager. Cassandra currently needs new tires to get to work and provide for her family. She is excited to file her taxes in February with the help of VITA volunteers, and to claim her EITC to continue supporting her family’s needs.

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 Celebration is on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, at 11 a.m. located at Patterson Park Community Center in Murfreesboro. Guests will hear more about the economic impact of United Way’s financial stability initiatives in our community and learn about EITC and free tax preparation through VITA. Light refreshments and resources will be provided.

During United Way’s 2024 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, more than 1,600 tax returns were completed with a total economic impact of over $2.2 million in Rutherford, Cannon, and Bedford counties.

This year in-person appointments will be available at the Town Hall Annex in Smyrna, Patterson Park Community Center in Murfreesboro, Shelbyville Senior Center in Shelbyville, and West End Baptist Church in Fayetteville. Additional pop-up VITA sites will be available at the Cannon County Senior Center, Motlow’s Smyrna Campus, and the MTSU Jones College of Business throughout the tax season.

Individuals can currently sign up for VITA appointments online, with appointments starting on Jan. 30.  For more information, visit yourlocaluw.org/vita.