Record-Breaking Tax Season for United Way’s VITA Program
With the arrival of the April 15 filing deadline, United Way staff and volunteers were closing down another filing season of income tax assistance for low- and moderate-income households in the region.
United Way of Greater Lafayette helped nearly 1,600 families file federal and state tax returns, and United Way in Montgomery County helped an additional 600. This record-breaking year for production marks the third consecutive year that United Way’s VITA program has served more than 2,000 households.
“We had some big changes coming into this filing season, and I was nervous, but also confident because I know we have a great team here,” said Kayla Miles, who joined the team as Director of Montgomery County after beginning her term as Interim Director in December 2024. “It really shows that people trust not just our volunteers, but United Way as a service provider. Our clients knew we were still here and would get their taxes don, even if some of the names and faces changed.”
A total of $2.4 million in refunds were claimed for local taxpayers, and the availability of a free preparation option is estimated to have saved clients nearly $570,000. Since its inception, the VITA program has brought nearly $24 million in refunds to the community and saved local taxpayers more than $4 million.
Volunteers join United Way’s volunteer income tax assistance (VITA) program for a variety of reasons. Some are students seeking to expand on their academic work in accounting and work directly with clients, others are looking for experience in program or project management, and still others are community volunteers who simply recognize the peace of mind that a free, reliable service for tax preparation brings their neighbors.
“There’s been a lot of change and uncertainty in our tax laws the past five years, and that shakes people’s confidence,” said Rachel Cheeseman, Senior Community Impact Associate who heads up the VITA program. “People have enough on their plates as it is, and we don’t think any of our neighbors should be exceedingly stressed by their taxes because preparation fees are simply too high for them.”
While the VITA sites in Lafayette and Crawfordsville no longer have regular operating hours, taxpayers in need of assistance can still contact staff at United Way for support in the summer/fall by visiting uwlafayette.org/mytaxes. A brief form to request tax help is located at the top of the page.
Interested to volunteer with VITA? Now is actually the perfect time to learn more about it and decide if you want to join the team next season! Contact Rachel at taxes@uwlafayette.org.