Tax season can be a stressful time for many Americans, particularly for those who lack the resources to navigate the complexities of tax preparation. Enter the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a lifeline for eligible individuals and families. Managed by the IRS, VITA provides free tax preparation services to those who need them most, such as low- to moderate-income taxpayers, individuals with disabilities, and those with limited English proficiency. By ensuring access to trained volunteers who help taxpayers claim all eligible tax credits and deductions, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), VITA, maximizes refunds, often providing a financial lifeline to those in need. These larger refunds can be used to cover essentials like housing, food, and transportation, helping families achieve greater financial stability. Beyond the immediate monetary impact, the program empowers communities by reducing the burden of tax preparation fees and fostering trust in accessible, quality services.
One of the unsung heroes behind the success of VITA is the Community Action Agencies (CAAs). These organizations, deeply embedded in their communities, are vital in executing VITA services effectively.
What Are Community Action Agencies?
CAAs are grassroots organizations dedicated to combating poverty and fostering economic stability. Funded primarily by the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), CAAs operate nationwide to address the root causes and conditions of poverty. From housing assistance to transportation support, these agencies offer a broad spectrum of services to uplift individuals and families.
Why CAAs Are Critical to VITA’s Success
The collaboration between VITA and CAAs is a natural fit, leveraging the strengths and missions of both entities. Here’s how CAAs make a difference in the VITA program:
- Community Presence
CAAs have deep roots in their local communities, understanding the unique challenges and needs of low-income populations. This makes them ideal partners for identifying and reaching eligible VITA participants who might otherwise be unaware of the program.
- Infrastructure and Resources
From office space to technology, CAAs provide the infrastructure needed to host VITA sites. They also recruit and manage the volunteers who power the program, ensuring that trained and certified preparers are available to assist taxpayers.
- Alignment with Mission
Offering free tax preparation aligns seamlessly with CAAs’ overarching goal of promoting financial stability. By helping families claim all eligible credits and deductions, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), CAAs contribute to increased refunds and reduced financial burdens.
The Role of Volunteers
Volunteers are the backbone of the VITA program. With training and certification provided by the IRS, these individuals ensure that tax returns are prepared accurately and efficiently. Additionally, every return undergoes a quality review to maintain high standards.
Beyond tax preparation, some VITA sites hosted by CAAs also offer complementary services, such as financial literacy workshops or assistance with other benefit programs, creating a holistic approach to community support.
However, CAAs do face challenges when it comes to recruiting volunteers. The VITA program requires complete time-intensive IRS training and certification, donating time during the height of tax preparation season, lack of volunteer incentives, and personal competing priorities.
Addressing these challenges requires creative recruitment strategies, such as emphasizing the personal and community impact of volunteering, simplifying the training process, offering flexible shifts, and partnering with local organizations to raise awareness.
Benefits of the VITA Program
The VITA program, delivered through the support of CAAs, provides a wide array of benefits:
- Increased Access to Tax Preparation
Eligible individuals, regardless of income or language barriers, can access professional tax preparation services free of charge.
- Maximized Tax Refunds
By claiming all eligible deductions and credits, taxpayers often receive larger refunds, which can be transformative for low-income families.
- Promoted Financial Stability
Avoiding tax preparation fees and maximizing refunds helps families stretch their budgets further, contributing to long-term financial well-being.
Our California CAAs in Action
One stellar example of CAAs operating VITA programs is the Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County (CAPSBC.)
The CAPSBC provides various resources to assist families in the tax preparation process from holding in-person and virtual informational sessions on available tax credits to mobile VITA offices to serve rural communities.
In 2024 alone, the CAPSCB prepared 356 tax returns that resulted in:
- $235,285 in tax refunds,
- $62,011 received due to the California Earned Income Tax Credit (CalEITC),
- $40,340 received from the Additional Child Tax Credit, and
- $1,404 received from the Education Credit.
These outcomes were achieved through the assistance of three volunteers, who were able to prepare 356 tax returns with 145 volunteer hours.
With EITC Awareness scheduled for January 31, 2025, the CAPSBC is holding both in-person and virtual informational sessions on the CalEITC, open to the public and free of charge. Join the CAPSBC team to learn more about CalEITC and the VITA program available in the San Bernardino County area. Their VITA site opens February 3, 2025 for onsite visits.
- IN PERSON – EITC Info Class + Q&A
10:00AM @ CAPSBC
696 S. Tippecanoe Ave. San Bernardino, CA 92507
To sign up, complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/HTdqKs68Rr
- ZOOM – EITC Info Session + Q&A
2:00PM on ZOOM
Zoom link will be sent via email
To sign up, complete this form: https://forms.office.com/r/Vw3AFYhiWm
A Model for Collaboration
The partnership between the VITA program and CAAs is a shining example of how collaboration can drive meaningful change. By leveraging the strengths of both entities, this partnership helps millions of Americans access the support they need to thrive during tax season and beyond.
Whether it’s a single mother claiming the EITC for the first time or a retired couple navigating tax updates, the VITA program—powered by CAAs—offers hope, stability, and empowerment, one tax return at a time.
If you or someone you know could benefit from free tax preparation, consider finding a VITA site near you. Chances are, a dedicated team at a local Community Action Agency is ready to help! Visit the CalCAPA website to find your local CAA at www.calcapa.org/find-your-local-agency/.
Review the following opportunities below: