United Way of Greater Nashville is sharing the fruits of their labor through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, a boon to those underserved in the community with incomes at or below $76,000. The VITA initiative, backed by IRS-certified tax preparers, is touted for saving folks on average $250 in fees, which by any measure, replenishes pockets and affords necessities like food, childcare, and the ever-mounting cost of living, as reported by the City of Clarksville website.
In Clarksville Montgomery Public Library's case, the numbers tell a tale of significant upticks—21 volunteers serving, reflecting an increase of 17 percent, over a thousand returns completed which marks an 8 percent boost, and refunds totaling over a million back into the local community's hands. Not only that, but these efforts netted $266,000 in saved tax prep fees, showing impactful growth in tangible dollars and cents saved for individuals and families alike.
Austin Peay State University saw a healthy contribution too, with their volunteers processing 255 tax returns and securing over $433,000 in refunds for their local community; as the site coordinator Dr. Jennifer Thayer, observed in a statement, this initiative doubles as an educational venture and a testament to the importance of community. "It gives our students invaluable real-world tax experience while reinforcing the importance of community service and financial literacy," Dr. Thayer told the City of Clarksville's News.
Bonnie Bowles, the senior manager for VITA, echoes the sentiment, stressing the importance of community trust and collaboration with the city in reaching those most in need, with a special nod to the City of Clarksville's endorsement which has been a catalyst in disseminating these crucial services. CEO of UWGN Erica Mitchell sums up the VITA program's enduring legacy, spanning over two decades, as a means for thousands to retain hard-earned money against the rising tides of expenses. "By providing free and trustworthy tax assistance, VITA enables thousands of individuals and families to maximize their refunds and keep their tax return where it belongs—in their pockets," Mitchell stated on the City of Clarksville website. The program's efficacy is as apparent as ever, with this year's results further affirming VITA's critical role in fortifying financial stability for many.
