Households with annual income of up to $68,000 qualify for?no-cost tax preparation and filing.? 

Hartford, Conn. (Feb. 6, 2025)?– The 2025 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) campaign has begun to offer free federal and state income tax preparation and filing for qualifying Connecticut residents. United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut, The Village for Families & Children (The Village) and Human Resources Agency of New Britain, Inc. (HRA) alongside Comptroller Sean Scanlon and Representative Kate Farrar, made the announcement on the EITC Awareness Day. The organizations are continuing their partnership to help eligible residents prepare and file their taxes at no charge. 

VITA is designed to help individuals and families get ahead financially, pay down debt and work toward saving for the future.? 

“In an economy where nearly 40% of households struggle to make ends meet, VITA is an essential service to many local families. The program helps individuals save hundreds of dollars each year in tax filing service fees and secure the tax credits and refunds they have earned. Last year alone, nearly $28 million was returned to 13,000 households experiencing working or extreme poverty across central and northeastern Connecticut. The impact of the VITA Campaign is significant, and we are extremely proud of and grateful for the strong, long-standing partnerships with The Village and HRA of New Britain who join our United Way in making VITA available in our region,” shared Eric Harrison, President and CEO, United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut.? 

VITA volunteers are IRS-certified, taking and passing tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information; and, identifying tax credits and refunds filers are eligible for.?? 

“VITA also offers a meaningful volunteer experience to hundreds of individuals in our community. The volunteers drive the success of the campaign, and we are immensely grateful to them. Together, we are closing gaps and creating opportunities for people to achieve financial stability,” added Harrison.? 

“VITA is a key factor in reducing financial stress for families across Connecticut. Not only does it help people save on tax prep costs, but it also helps them access thousands of dollars in tax refunds. That money goes directly to meeting their basic needs, including rent, housing, food and other costs. By reducing financial stress, we can improve overall wellness for families and children,” said Hector Glynn, President & CEO at The Village.? 

Taxpayers are eligible to have their taxes prepared and filed for free through VITA if:?? 

• Their annual household income is up to $68,000;? 

• Their business expenses are less than $35,000 if self-employed;?? 

• They do not have income from a rental property;?? 

• They are a person with a disability; and/or;?? 

• They speak limited English and need assistance.?? 

“HRA is proud to offer tax assistance to thousands of people in our community each year,” said Dr. Marlo Greponne, HRA Executive Director. “We see the difference it makes to family budgets when low-income people and their families get refunds and Earned Income Tax Credit. As importantly, we welcome the chance to connect our VITA customers to other programs at our agency that can address all their social and human needs,” concluded Dr. Greponne. 

To schedule a VITA appointment to have your federal and state tax returns prepared and filed at no cost in the Greater Hartford, Tolland, Enfield and Windham areas, visit?211ct.org/taxhelp?or dial 2-1-1, press 3 then 6. To make an appointment in the Greater New Britain-Berlin area, visit?hranbct.org/VITA?or dial 860-356-2000.? 

“The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a game-changer for Connecticut residents. This free service helps hardworking families keep more of their money by maximizing their refunds and avoiding costly filing fees. I encourage all eligible residents to take advantage of it,” reflected Comptroller Sean Scanlon, State of Connecticut.?? 

“The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program relieves a financial burden off many individuals and families in our state that are struggling to make ends meet,” said Rep. Kate Farrar (20th District – West Hartford). “As a previous VITA volunteer, I know how valuable this free service is to save our residents costly filing fees and make sure individuals receive all of the refunds they are owed”, added Farrar.  

For a complete list of required documents needed for VITA Tax Preparation, go to?https://uwc.211ct.org/vita-docs/.?VITA is also available for families across the state through other local United Ways and VITA Coalitions. 

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