Virtual VITA tax prep a success!
The final results are still being compiled, but everything points to the fact that the inaugural year of Virtual VITA Tax Preparation services being offered in Nashua and Hudson was a great success.
The free income tax preparation services were available to low- to moderate income individuals and families whose income is $57,000 or less. The services were available through VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) using IRS certified volunteers. Due to COVID-19, tax returns were prepared virtually this tax season. There was no in-person contact between taxpayers and IRS certified volunteers.
A total of 365 tax returns for 2020 were prepared by VITA volunteers and accepted by IRS from the United Way of Greater Nashua location. An additional 62 state returns were processed at the Nashua site. $487,100 in tax refunds were received by clients who had their returns prepared by Nashua-based volunteers. A total of $55,278 in Earned Income Tax Credits were received and Child Tax credits totaling over $57,000 were returned to area residents who qualified.
Information for returns processed at the Hudson Library tax prep site continue to be compiled. That information will be provided in an update when it becomes available.
Many thanks to everyone who made Virtual VITA tax prep possible and a success this year. Planning for the sites began late last year by a dedicated group of individuals who had been involved with past tax preparation efforts in the Greater Nashua area.
That small group was soon joined by the trained VITA tax prep volunteers who accepted the challenge of preparing tax returns in a non-contact environment.
Many thanks to the Nashua Public Library for providing space and phone services to volunteers recruited by United Way to provide guidance to individuals who were interested in having their taxes prepared by VITA volunteers.
United Way of Greater Nashua partnered with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and other community partners to support VITA sites in Nashua and Hudson. The goal of providing tax prep services is to increase awareness of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other available credits, provide free tax preparation services and promote asset-building opportunities as available in the community.
There are additional free tax preparation services available if you continue to need help in preparing your tax return. Many are included at NHTaxHelp.org. Additional options for preparing your tax return free of charge are provided on the IRS website Free File: Do your Federal Taxes for Free | Internal Revenue Service (irs.gov). IRS Free File options are available for those who earn less than $72,000 and those whose income is greater than $72,000.
