United Way of South Texas officially launched the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program on Monday, January 22, 2024. The VITA Committee and Partners look forward to another successful year of helping eligible South Texas families and individuals with free income tax preparation services.
In 2023, over 190 IRS Certified volunteers offered free income tax preparation services to 2,942 households—their refunds were over $5.2 million and they saved approximately $884,100 in tax preparation fees. Families and individuals with household incomes of $60,000 or less are eligible for the free service, with only a few IRS mandated exceptions.
Between January 22nd and April 4th, volunteers at fifteen (15) sites will serve families in Hidalgo and Starr counties. The sites include: Calvary Baptist Church, City of McAllen-Lark Library, City of McAllen-Palmview Library, City of Mission-Speer Memorial Library, Goodwill Industries, McAllen I.S.D.-Lamar Academy, PSJA I.S.D.- Thomas Jefferson ECHS, PSJA I.S.D.-Bowie Elementary, Rio Grande City-City Hall, Roma I.S.D. High School, Vanguard Academy Beethoven-Secondary Campus, South Texas College, United Way of South Texas and My Free Taxes at UTRGV U-Central. VITA clients who prefer to schedule their own appointment, may visit VITA2024.as.me or call 956-686-6331.
“United Way is committed to offering families and individuals opportunities to help them succeed , by investing in Education, Health, Financial Stability and Safety Net programs. Families that use VITA services are able to invest their savings and refunds in important commitments such as medical bills, their children, home repairs, education, health and in the local economy,” said Gerardo Paz, South Texas Federal Credit Union and United Way Board Chair.
The United Way Board of Directors and staff also appreciate the support of the following VITA program sponsors: H-E-B, Frost Bank, U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, Lone Star National Bank, Wells Fargo, PNC Bank, Security Service Federal Credit Union and Vantage Bank. If you have questions about the VITA program, please contact Jessica Sustaita, United Way Financial Stability Coordinator, at 956-686-6331.