What is VITA?
- The VITA program is a partnership between the Internal Revenue Services (IRS) and community-based organizations that provides free tax preparation services to low-to moderate-income households. IRS certified volunteers receive training to help prepare basic tax returns in their community.
Who is involved?
- Locally Cottages of Hope has joined a coalition of organizations called Building Assets Together (BAT) that focuses on coordinating VITA in Weber and Box Elder Counties. In addition we have joined the state-wide effort called Earn It, Keep It, Save It, an United Way initiative, which is a public-private partnership working to strengthen family financial stability by utilizing the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC or EIC) . We participate both locally and within the state by hosting a site in Ogden, promoting VITA throughout Weber County and by participating in Earn It, Keep It, Save It developmental activities geared toward improving the process.
2008 Tax Season Recap
- Cottages of Hope prepared 230 returns during our first year and when combined with other community partners in Weber & Box Elder Counties (BAT) the total prepared was over 1,800 returns. This represents $660,000 in Earned Income Credit (EIC) refunded, an estimated $200,000 in preparation savings and $1,800,000 in total refunds.
2009 and 2010 Results and Impact
| Volume | 2009 | 2010 |
| Returns | 550 | 1,136 |
| Volunteer Hours | 518 | 1,110 |
| Volunteers | 15 | 36 |
| Financial Impact | 2009 | 2010 |
| Earned Income Credit | $ 242,195 | $ 563,600 |
| Total Refunds | $ 592,542 | $ 1,710,995 |
| Estimated Preparation Fees | $ 88,000 | $ 205,020 |
| Total Financial Impact | $ 680,542 | $ 1,916,015 |
Earn It, Keep It, Save It
- Earn It, Keep It, Save It reports that Last year Utah volunteers prepared 15,569 returns for low-to-moderate income families, representing $5.3 million in EIC refunds, an estimated $1.6 million in preparation savings and $14.5 million in total refunds. This was done with 656 total volunteers.
Volunteers
- Volunteers, the “V” in VITA, drive this significant community service. Each site is staffed with non-paid volunteers that come from all walks of life. There are several ways individuals can help at a site such as being a site coordinator, tax preparer, greeter or financial resource specialist. All training necessary to prepare these basic returns is provided by the IRS and community partners. To become a volunteer contact us for more information.
