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. United Way of South Texas will officially launch its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program on Monday, January 31.
In 2021, 52 IRS Certified volunteers offered free income tax preparation for 2,402 households—their refunds were over $5.1 million. Although the pandemic continues to impact how clients are served, volunteers will work diligently to help more families and increase the total dollar refund amount. 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 31st and April 9th, volunteers at 14 sites will serve families in Hidalgo and Starr counties. The sites include: PSJA I.S.D.-Bowie Elementary, Calvary Baptist Church, Goodwill Industries, City of McAllen-Palmview Library, McAllen Housing Authority, Rio Grande City-City Hall, Roma I.S.D. High School, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, City of Mission-Speer Memorial Library, City of McAllen-Lark Library, McAllen I.S.D.-Lamar Academy, PSJA I.S.D.- Ballew High School, Vanguard Academy and United Way of South Texas. VITA clients who prefer virtual assistance may visit www.getyourrefund/UWST, beginning on January 31.
When working families and individuals receive free income tax preparation services, they save money and can use their refunds towards other important expenses and goals. The more families save by not paying for income tax preparation, the more they can invest in the local economy.
We appreciate the support of the following sponsors for making the VITA/TCE Program possible: H-E-B, Frost Bank, U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Magic Valley Electric Cooperative, McAllen Chamber of Commerce, Wells Fargo, BBVA Bank, IBC Bank, Security Service Federal Credit Union and Texas Regional Bank.
We would also like to thank our partners for donating space and volunteer time: Calvary Baptist Church, City of McAllen, City of Mission, City of Rio Grande City, Goodwill Industries, McAllen Housing Authority, McAllen I.S.D., Monte Alto I.S.D., Pharr-San Juan-Alamo I.S.D., Roma I.S.D., Sharyland I.S.D., University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Vanguard Academy.
If you have questions about the VITA program, please contact Janet Terrazas or Lilly Lopez-Killelea at 956-607-9030 or 956-686-6331.