Murfreesboro, TN - The United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties is excited to announce the commencement of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the upcoming tax season, running from February 1 to April 13, 2024.

The VITA program, endorsed by the IRS, provides a valuable service by offering free tax preparation assistance to qualifying individuals and families. Trained volunteers will be on hand to assist with tax preparation, connecting community members with potential credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The EITC, designed for working individuals with at least one dependent, can significantly enhance resources for essential needs like transportation, housing, and food.

Debbie Curtis, the VITA program coordinator at United Way, expressed the program's significance, stating, "It is a wonderful example of how your local United Way works to improve the financial stability of everyone in our community, by helping to keep money in taxpayer pockets."

During the 2023 VITA program, more than 1,400 tax returns were completed, resulting in a substantial $1.8 million investment through tax refunds and a reduction of $480,000 in tax prep fees. This amounted to a remarkable total economic impact exceeding $2.2 million in Rutherford and Cannon counties. Since its inception in 2012, the VITA program has infused over $15 million back into these communities through tax refunds.

In-person appointments for the VITA program will be available at the Boys & Girls Club of Smyrna and Patterson Park Community Center. Additionally, mobile VITA sites will be set up in Cannon County, Bedford County, Motlow’s Smyrna Campus, and the MTSU Jones College of Business. Online appointments can be scheduled starting January 20. For more details, visit yourlocaluw.org/vita.