As a single mom living paycheck to paycheck, Leah never thought filing her taxes could be easy, or free. Each year, she paid around $80 to self-file her return through TurboTax. She knew about basic deductions like student loan interest, but had no idea about the full range of tax credits she qualified for or how to maximize her refund. When she learned about Granite United Way’s Volunter Income Tax Assitance (VITA) program she decided to give it a try.
Scheduling her tax filing appointment was incredibly easy. She called 2-1-1 and got an appointment within a week at a VITA site just 8 minutes from her home. They even provided her a clear checklist of what to bring, so she could show up prepared.
Leah’s tax preparer was knowledgeable and kind. She walked her through every step of the process, answered all her questions, and made her feel genuinely cared for. When she didn’t know something, she was able to find the answer through the IRA provided resources within minutes. The entire process took about an hour.
The VITA program serves hardworking individuals and families and offers:
VITA helped Leah access all the available VITA services: free tax preparation, refund splitting, and tax credits. For the first time in years, she could:
Leah chose to split her refund into three accounts to build financial stability. In the past, even an unexpected $100 expense used to set her back for months, now she has a buffer and the tools she needs to become more financially empowered.