Your United Way Dollars at Work: Maximize refunds with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance

Maximizing Refunds, Strengthening Financial Stability: How the VITA Program Supports Reno County Taxpayers

 

For many individuals and families, tax season can be confusing and costly. Filing errors, missed tax credits, and expensive preparation fees can prevent people from receiving the full refunds they deserve. In Reno County, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program helps remove these barriers by offering free, reliable tax preparation for those who need it most.

Administered by The Volunteer Center for more than 51 years and supported in part by United Way of Reno County, the VITA program provides free tax preparation and e-filing services to low- to moderate-income residents. IRS-trained and certified volunteers work one-on-one with taxpayers to ensure returns are filed accurately while helping individuals claim the credits and deductions they are eligible for.

For many participants, the program is more than a tax service—it’s an opportunity to strengthen their financial stability.

 

A Trusted Service for the Community

Each year, dedicated volunteers assist hundreds of local taxpayers who might otherwise struggle to file their taxes. Without free services like VITA, many individuals would either avoid filing altogether or pay costly fees to private tax preparation services.

Through the program, IRS-certified volunteers help ensure taxpayers receive the full refunds they qualify for while also protecting against common filing mistakes.

Participants benefit from services including:

  • Free tax preparation and electronic filing provided by IRS-trained volunteers
  • One-on-one assistance reviewing tax returns and explaining results
  • Help identifying eligible credits and deductions that increase refunds
  • Guidance on correcting filing errors and avoiding future mistakes
  • Assurance that tax returns are filed safely and accurately

The IRS also encourages individuals to file annually to help detect identity theft or fraudulent activity related to their Social Security numbers.

 

Helping Taxpayers Claim Valuable Credits

Many low- to moderate-income taxpayers are unaware of important tax credits that can significantly increase their refunds. VITA volunteers are trained and certified at the advanced level, allowing them to identify credits and deductions that individuals might otherwise miss.

These may include:

  • The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
  • The Child Tax Credit
  • Homestead property tax refunds
  • Deductions related to self-employment income

For individuals working in gig economy jobs such as delivery services or freelance work, volunteers also provide guidance on how to correctly report self-employment income and avoid filing errors.

 

Financial Education Beyond Tax Preparation

In addition to preparing tax returns, VITA volunteers use the opportunity to help taxpayers strengthen their overall financial health. Volunteers take time to discuss financial habits, explain tax withholdings, and share information about resources that can help individuals build stability.

During appointments, taxpayers may receive guidance on:

  • Adjusting payroll withholdings to avoid unexpected tax bills
  • Opening bank accounts for secure and faster refund deposits
  • Accessing identification or Social Security documentation
  • Connecting with health insurance marketplace resources
  • Learning about local programs that support financial stability

Volunteers also share information about additional community resources, including programs like the CASH program through Interfaith Housing & Community Services, which helps individuals build savings and improve financial well-being.

 

Real Impact for Reno County Families

The financial impact of the VITA program can be significant for families who rely on their tax refunds to catch up on bills, pay down debt, or build savings.

Each year, program leaders track key outcomes, including the number of returns filed, the adjusted gross income of participants, and the total amount of refunds returned to the community.

In 2024, the VITA program achieved:

  • 1,612 federal tax returns filed
  • 1,562 state tax returns filed
  • 641 homestead returns processed
  • $1,087,109 in total refunds returned to taxpayers
  • Average Adjusted Gross Income of $21,621 for participants

These refunds often provide essential financial relief, helping families pay bills, establish savings accounts, or invest in long-term goals such as homeownership.

 

United Way at Work

Programs like VITA are made possible through the support of community partners and volunteers who believe in helping neighbors achieve financial stability. Funding and support from United Way of Reno County help ensure that low- to moderate-income residents have access to accurate, free tax preparation services. 

For many Reno County residents, a simple tax appointment can mean more than filing paperwork—it can mean access to resources, financial knowledge, and the opportunity to build a stronger financial future.

 

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