VITA program provides community with free tax preparation
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), in collaboration with The Coalition for Family Economic Progress (CFEP) hosted the official kick-off of the 2024 VITA season with a special event and a press conference.
The event was held at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25 at the GECU VITA Supersite at Eastridge Plaza.
The 2024 tax season marks GECU’s 12th year working alongside the CFEP to provide free tax preparation to community members throughout the region via the VITA program, according to a press release sent by Barracuda PR.
During the kick-off event, the CFEP and GECU Community Development announced that this tax season, VITA’s services are available to Southern New Mexico residents for the first time via a site located on the New Mexico State University campus in Las Cruces.
In El Paso, residents can once again take advantage of the VITA program at the GECU VITA Supersite, located at Eastridge Plaza, 1220 Wedgewood Dr., Suite 2. In addition, more than 24 VITA sites located throughout El Paso County are available, according to the press release.
The VITA program has helped residents in the community save millions in tax preparation fees and brought millions of dollars back to the region – money that is used for groceries, car payments and savings funds.
Each year, VITA helps many claim the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable credit that is often overlooked by many taxpayers. Last year, VITA helped residents receive a total of $6.3 million of Earned Income Tax credits, according to the press release.
Over 11 area high schools are participating in VITA this tax season by offering a site and student volunteers. Student volunteers gain real-world experience, receive a certification and earn school credit all while elevating their community.
Each volunteer dedicates many hours to bring this service to their community, including training with the IRS to receive tax preparation certification, giving their time outside of school or work hours, and taking time to speak to countless families and individuals to understand their unique tax needs.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the 2024 tax season,” Ruby Alvarez, Vice-President of GECU Community Development said. “At GECU, we believe in empowering our community, and VITA plays a crucial role in that mission. We are proud to see the program extend its reach to Southern New Mexico residents through our site at New Mexico State University. We are committed to ensuring that every eligible taxpayer receives the support they deserve.”
IRS-certified and trained VITA volunteers are ready to assist the community, in-person, at more than 20 locations throughout the city with services available in English and Spanish, according to the press release.
Go to https://www.freetaxeselpaso.org/ for a list of VITA sites and a list of documents that you should bring for VITA volunteers to help you complete your 2024 tax forms.
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