United Way Suncoast, Goodwill Partner on Free Tax Preparation

September 10, 2024 | Sarasota

Goodwill Manasota continues to partner with United Way Suncoast to provide free tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income households. These services, which would have cost community members more than $151,000, returned hundreds of thousands of dollars to area households and the community in the most recent tax year.

Goodwill and its partners offer this service through the Internal Revenue Service’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free and accurate tax preparation services to low- to moderate-income taxpayers (with annual earnings below $79,000). VITA has been instrumental in helping ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households receive thousands of dollars in additional refunds.  

For the most recent tax season, volunteers assisted with free tax preparation at Goodwill’s Mecca (5150 N. Tamiami Tr., Sarasota) and Corporate Campus (2705 51st St. E., Bradenton) locations. More than 630 community members received tax assistance at these locations, resulting in refunds of nearly $670,000, earned Income credits of nearly $189,000, and child tax credits of over $68,000. The median annual gross income AGI was $54,168 for these families.

An additional 72 community members have received support at the Goodwill Mecca site since VITA services have been offered year-round, starting on June 6 of this year.

In 2024, United Way Suncoast and its partners – such as Goodwill Manasota – brought back $11.5 million in refunds, tax credits and savings on preparation fees to the region. VITA is vital to residents and the area’s economy.

“We’re on a mission to deliver free tax preparation services to more community members because we know those dollars can stabilize the challenges delivered by our uncertain economy,” said United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff. “Everything we do in the community is in partnership with terrific organizations like Goodwill Manasota, and we’re thrilled to have its support.”

VITA utilizes certified volunteers to provide these services at a variety of public locations such as libraries, schools, and neighborhood centers – such as Goodwill locations – in various high-need areas. The VITA program is an IRS initiative designed to support free tax preparation service for the underserved through various partner organizations, helping low-to-moderate income  individuals, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and limited English speakers file their taxes each year.

VITA tax preparers can prepare returns with credits including the Additional Child Tax Credit, Child and Dependent Care, Education Credits, and Retirement Saver’s Credit. Certain forms cannot be completed by VITA tax preparers; interested residents are encouraged to ask whether the service they are seeking is available – as well as which forms and information are required – when making their appointment.

“Tax season can be a time of extreme stress for community members, many of whom may not fully understand the tax code or have sufficient access to supportive resources and technology,” said Donn Githens, president and CEO of Goodwill Manasota. “The IRS VITA program is a wonderful service; we’re happy to partner with United Way Suncoast to provide a comfortable location as well as information, resources and expert assistance to help residents file their taxes while ensuring they receive every deduction to which they’re entitled.”

Year-round free tax preparation is available by appointment only at the Goodwill Mecca location; call 941-748-1313 to set up an appointment, learn which tax forms are eligible for VITA services, and find out which documents are needed.