Successful VITA program hoping to be in Maricopa next year

The annual tax deadline of April 15 has come and gone. In Pinal County the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program aided 361 individuals in their tax preparation this season.

Out of those who filed with VITA, the average taxpayer was refunded over $1,500. A total of $444,664 was returned to the county through IRS refunds generated by the VITA program.

This is the second year for VITA in Pinal County, and the program continues to grow and change. From one site and 49 tax returns prepared in 2008, the program expanded to 16 sites and over 360 returns prepared at absolutely no charge to the eligible taxpayer.

VITA was created to put taxpayers in touch with the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), meant for those who work but have modest incomes. In Pinal County alone residents received $217,503 in EITC money with the VITA program, while saving $45,000 in estimated fees charged through paid tax-preparing agencies.

Volunteer participation with VITA matched and even surpassed the growth experienced by the program. According to United Way Executive Director Charity Russell, “The enthusiasm of these volunteers kept the program alive and running.” The entire volunteer corps logged in a total of 891 volunteer hours.

In 2010 VITA is looking forward to increasing the number of taxpayers served at the current locations and possibly extending its reach to Maricopa. With the number of clients, volunteers and organizations involved, VITA anticipates further growth.

For more information about the VITA program, contact VITA Program Manager Ricardo Banuelos at 520-836-0736 or via email.

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