The Tri-County United Way VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program has been honored with the National IRS “Hall of Fame” Award, a testament to its exceptional contributions and unwavering support for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes.
Chosen from 14 national nominees, Tri-County United Way’s VITA program distinguished itself through its remarkable service, community impact, and dedication to financial stability.
For over 20 years, the Tri-County United Way VITA program has operated 13 sites across Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga counties. During the 2024 tax season, 27 tax preparers and 15 appointment takers volunteered over 3,100 hours, preparing more than 2,000 tax returns. Their efforts generated $3.1 million in federal and state income tax refunds for the local economy and saved taxpayers over $700,000 in preparation fees.
The VITA program’s excellence was recognized by its in-house training, offering 24 hours of classroom or self-study instruction, available at flexible times. This year’s innovative outreach included local media interviews, print media outreach, and ads in several prestigious media outlets including the 50th Adirondack Balloon Festival program, which boosted volunteer recruitment and community engagement.
The IRS-sponsored VITA program offers free tax preparation to eligible residents nationwide. Locally, the Tri-County United Way, Cornell Cooperative Extension — Washington County, and the Moreau Community Center have partnered to create a network of VITA volunteers. Volunteers, who come from diverse backgrounds, typically commit four to eight hours per week from mid-January to April 15. Comprehensive training and user-friendly software empower them to provide effective tax assistance.
To learn more about the VITA program, visit TriCountyUnitedWay.org.
To connect with Laura Jensen, director of community engagement, mail to:Ljensen@tricountyunitedway.org.