PROVIDENCE – The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program helped save taxpayers in the state $27 million in 2019, United Way of Rhode Island said on Thursday.
The figure includes tax credits and refunds claimed, as well as the cost of the tax- preparation services provided. It is the largest savings to date from the program, conducted by United Way in partnership with Citizens Bank.
The program provides tax-free services to eligible Rhode Islanders who earned $55,000 or less annually. The program had 24 sites around the state staffed with Internal Revenue Service-trained and certified volunteers who ensured taxpayers got their proper tax refunds and tax credits.
UWRI and Citizens Bank provided $221,380 to the initiative.
The VITA program processed over 21,000 individual income tax returns filed electronically in 2019.
“The results and reach of VITA, and the direct impact on Rhode Island families and our state’s economy, are truly remarkable,” said Cortney Nicolato, CEO and president of United Way. “This is a program that benefits everyone, but more importantly it helps our neighbors meet immediate needs.”
