United Way of RI’s Free Tax Prep Service Returns Over $27 Million to RIers

United Way of RI’s Free Tax Prep Service Returns Over $27 Million to RIers

More than $27 million was returned to Rhode Islanders this year through United Way of Rhode Island’s management of statewide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) campaign.

“The results and reach of VITA, and the direct impact on Rhode Island families and our state’s economy, are truly remarkable. This is a program that benefits everyone, but more importantly, it helps our neighbors meet immediate needs,” said Cortney Nicolato, President and CEO of United Way of Rhode Island.

It is the initiative’s largest single-year financial benefit for local, eligible taxpayers since UWRI’s involvement began in 2005.

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About the Program

VITA provides free tax preparation services to eligible Rhode Islanders who earn $55,000 or less annually.

The goal of the effort is to ensure working taxpayers receive the money they’re due in tax refunds and tax credits, such as the EITC and Child Tax Credit, which reduce tax burden and can lead to a larger refund.

In 2019, UWRI and Citizens made VITA available at 24 program sites statewide, each staffed by IRS-trained and certified volunteers who offered services in multiple languages and filed returns electronically.

In total, more than 21,000 individual income tax returns were completed and filed by volunteers in Rhode Island.

 

PHOTO: United Way of RI