UNITED WAY OF WASHTENAW COUNTY

Financial stability: manage a national tax program, vita (volunteer income tax assistance) under irs guidance to provide free tax preparation for taxpayers making 54,000 or less. Train and certify volunteers to comply with tax regulations and ethics who will work one-on-one with eligible taxpayers to provide tax preparation and filing services for both federal and state returns. Special focus is on helping taxpayers obtain refundable credits such as the eitc and state of michigan home heating and property tax credits. The vita program was able to serve clients in person, a scan and go service, and 100% virtual. A combination of these allowed for an increase in the number of returns. Total number of federal returns prepared was 717 with the help of a pool of 35 fully certified and experienced volunteers. Financial coaching provides free one-on-one support that builds and sustains foundation level asset building for individuals and families while connecting them to other human and financial service offerings. The only requirement for receipt of services is a desire to become more financially stable.