United Way of Southwest Alabama is pleased to announce the launch of the 2024 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, sponsored by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). This program provides free tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families to ensure they receive their maximum refunds while avoiding predatory tax practices.

For tax year 2024, the VITA program serves individuals and families with a household income of $69,000 or less. The income guidelines annual adjustments reflect changes in income guidelines. VITA ensures that taxpayers are aware of and claim all the benefits they are entitled to, including the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, premium tax credit, and education credits.

In 2023, 43 United Way VITA volunteers contributed 1,730 hours of service, preparing 1,132 tax returns for individuals and families. With an average client income of $34,087, these efforts highlight the critical need for accessible tax assistance in our community.

The key benefits of VITA include:

• Free Tax Preparation: VITA offers qualified individuals free tax filing assistance, helping them receive their maximum refunds.
• Access to Tax Benefits: VITA assists taxpayers in claiming all eligible benefits such as the Earned Income Credit, Child Tax Credit, and education credits.
• Financial Security: VITA provides a safe and reliable space for tax preparation, protecting taxpayers from predatory tax practices that target low-income households.
• Certified Volunteer Assistance: Volunteers, who undergo annual IRS testing and certification, ensure accurate and reliable tax preparation.
• Holistic Financial Support: In addition to tax preparation, VITA volunteers help taxpayers with tax withholding strategies, basic financial planning, and addressing life events that affect their tax situation and financial well-being.

Brad Martin, United Way’s VITA Program Coordinator, expressed his appreciation, saying, “Our talented volunteers are the heart of the VITA program, and we couldn’t provide these essential services without their dedication. I’d also like to extend our deepest thanks to the sites that host us each year – Goodwill Azalea, West Regional Mobile Public Library, New Horizons Credit Union, RSVP Mobile County, and the City of Chickasaw – for providing such welcoming spaces for those in need of assistance.”

Appointments may be scheduled up to ten days in advance and are based on availability. Appointments are available at the following locations:

• Goodwill Azalea (300 Azalea Road, Unit f, 36609 )
• West Regional Mobile Public Library (5555 Grelot Road, 36609)
• New Horizons Credit Union (6320 Airport Boulevard, 36608)
• RSVP of Mobile County at Bay Haas (1150 Government Street, 36604)
• City of Chickasaw (799 Iroquois Street, Chickasaw, 36611)

A special thank you to the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind for providing sign language interpreters to assist hearing-impaired clients during the tax filing process.

To schedule an appointment, visit www.supersaas.com/schedule/free_tax_appointments or call (251) 219-0606.

United Way of Southwest Alabama is committed to helping individuals and families gain financial security, and we encourage anyone who qualifies to take advantage of this free and valuable service.

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