2017 VITA Program Results in $2M Impact on Rutherford and Cannon Counties

During United Way’s 2017 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, more than 40 volunteer preparers completed 1,105 tax returns resulting in a $1,737,708 investment through tax refunds, as well as $299,455 in reduced tax prep fees, totaling $2,037,163 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 nearly doubled 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 money to pay for essential needs such as reliable transportation, housing and food. This year, the average EITC refund through United Way’s VITA program was $1,600.

Since the VITA program’s inception in 2012, more than $6M has been invested back into Rutherford and Cannon counties through tax refunds. Randy Allen, Director of Community Impact for United Way, said, “It’s part of United Way’s mission to empower community members to become financially stable through initiatives such as the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. The impact from this year’s program is a result of our dedicated volunteers and strategic community partners.

Together, we will help families get on the path to financial stability – and transform our entire community.” 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).