During United Way’s 2018 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, more than 40 volunteer preparers completed 1,434 tax returns resulting in a $1,850,714 investment through tax refunds, as well as $388,614 in reduced tax prep fees, totaling $2,239,328 economic impact in Rutherford and Cannon counties. Through combined efforts with My Free Taxes, a free online filing service, the economic impact from the VITA program has increased by ten percent over last year.

The United Way VITA program is an IRS-supported tax preparation service, through which trained volunteers prepare taxes at no cost for qualifying individuals and families. The VITA program, along with My Free Taxes, connects community members with eligible credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC is a benefit for working people who have incomes under $64,000 and can mean more resources for essential needs such as reliable transportation, housing and food.

Since the VITA program’s inception in 2012, more than $8.4M has been invested back into Rutherford and Cannon counties through tax refunds. Brittany Satinover, VITA Coordinator; said, “The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program is one example of how United Way really works to improve the financial stability of everyone in our community. Over the last year, our economic impact has increased by over ten percent, that’s over $200,000 that’s going back into our community. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers and strategic community partners our community is one step closer to financial stability for everyone.”

Local community partners of this year’s VITA program included Patterson Park Community Center, City of Murfreesboro, Town of Smyrna, Fifth Third Bank, Linebaugh Public Library (Smyrna location) and the La Vergne Public Library.