Granite United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax preparation to low to moderate income households.
Many people pay commercial tax preparers $200-$300 for a simple tax return when they don’t need to.
VITA is a free tax preparation program available to individuals and families with household incomes up to $69,000 annually. Taxes are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers who assist low-to-moderate-income residents to access the greatest amount of refunds.
Last year, more than $5.5 Million was returned in federal tax refunds through this program, including $861,635 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to families and individuals struggling throughout our community. The EITC, coupled with the Child Tax Credit, has lifted over 1,200 NH residents out of poverty, including over 1686 people over 60, each year on average. According to the IRS, about 1-in-5 eligible New Hampshire residents fail to file for the EITC, leaving an estimated $31 million unclaimed.
VITA strives to serve people who are underserved, such as those with disabilities, limited English language proficiency, grandparents raising their grandchildren, and people experiencing homelessness who are working, but not bringing in enough to put a roof over their heads. Our VITA volunteers are trained on all of the latest tax preparation changes and they help thousands of individuals and families throughout New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont.
*The IRS will no longer provide paper checks for returns. You will need to be prepared with an alternate method to receive your refund.
Many people pay commercial tax preparers $200-$300 for a simple tax return when they don’t need to.
VITA is a free tax preparation program available to individuals and families with household incomes up to $69,000 annually. Taxes are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers who assist low-to-moderate-income residents to access the greatest amount of refunds.
Last year, more than $5.5 Million was returned in federal tax refunds through this program, including $861,635 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to families and individuals struggling throughout our community. The EITC, coupled with the Child Tax Credit, has lifted over 1,200 NH residents out of poverty, including over 1686 people over 60, each year on average. According to the IRS, about 1-in-5 eligible New Hampshire residents fail to file for the EITC, leaving an estimated $31 million unclaimed.
VITA strives to serve people who are underserved, such as those with disabilities, limited English language proficiency, grandparents raising their grandchildren, and people experiencing homelessness who are working, but not bringing in enough to put a roof over their heads. Our VITA volunteers are trained on all of the latest tax preparation changes and they help thousands of individuals and families throughout New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont.
*The IRS will no longer provide paper checks for returns. You will need to be prepared with an alternate method to receive your refund.
Two ways to file for free
Visit nhtaxhelp.org or call 211 to schedule a virtual appointment with an IRS-certified tax preparer.Visit MyFreeTaxes.com to prepare your own return, for free online, with guidance from a toll-free helpline.
Thank you to Citizens Bank for partnering with us, and investing $50,000 in this program.
VITA is more than just tax preparation
VITA puts critical financial resources back into undeserved New Hampshire and Vermont residents’ pockets, as well as into communities across the state that need it the most. The resources provided by VITA sites help to overcome the economic and personal hardships faced here in the Granite State.
While you are having your taxes prepared, our IRS-certified volunteers can help you with the following:
While you are having your taxes prepared, our IRS-certified volunteers can help you with the following:
Tax Credits:
These tax incentives allow you to subtract the amount of the credit from the total you owe at filing in turn increasing the amount you get back in your tax refund. For many people, this extra money has allowed them to pay down debt, buy a car, and put a down payment on a house.
The Child Tax Credit: for parents with dependents under 17 years of ageEarned Income Tax Credit: for low- to moderate-income working individuals and couples, particularly those with children.The American Opportunity Tax Credit: for qualified education expenses paid for an eligible student for the first four years of higher education.Interested in becoming a VITA Volunteer Tax Preparer?
Granite United Way VITA volunteers are part of a statewide effort that completes more than 5,000 federal tax returns each year, bringing more than $5.5 million back into the bank accounts of New Hampshire residents. VITA volunteers are needed to conduct intake as well as to prepare taxes. Training is provided, along with an IRS certification, and the average time commitment is 3-to-5 hours per week during tax season. Click here to find volunteer opportunities.
To view our VITA informational palm card click here.