VITA Program

2025 VITA Summary

We are pleased to say that our VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program has wrapped up for the year, and it was a success! This year, UWWC and our volunteers have helped 63 families and individuals in the refugee and asylum seeker community file their taxes. We're excited to share that over $162,000 in federal refunds and $60,000 in state refunds was returned to locals! Around $82,000 was returned in EITC, and the average AGI was $34,000. This will help families and individuals pay for transportation, housing, food, childcare, and more. 

Of course, our volunteers deserve the biggest THANK YOU for being tax experts and helping those served towards financial security. Without the continuous support from our volunteers and donors, our VITA program wouldn't be possible. Thanks again to our wonderful VITA volunteers!

 

 MyFreeTaxes is a self-filing option.

No one loves doing their taxes. But this year, it’s easier than ever if you use My Free Taxes.  

That’s United Way’s free, online tax filing program. It lets U.S. tax filers who earned less than $84K last year file their federal and state taxes online -- for free. Since 2009, My Free Taxes has helped 1.45M people across America save $290M in tax prep fees and receive over $2.1B in refunds.

The secure software walks you through the filing process and screens for common tax deductions and credits you may be eligible for. In 2024, My Free Taxes helped people get $18.9M back in Earned Income Tax Credits, and $10.5M back in Child Tax Credits. 

Other tax situations covered in My Free Taxes include:  

  • W-2 income 

  • Schedule C Self Employment UW-MFT

  • Limited interest and dividend income reported on a 1099-INT or 1099-DIV 

  • Student education expenses, credits, or student loan interest 

  • Unemployment income 

  • Claiming the standard deduction 

  • Earned Income Tax Credit 

  • Child tax credits 

  • Child and dependent care expenses 

If you need help, use the Help Line to talk to a real person trained by the IRS. And check out My Free Taxes’ tax guides for anyone who’s gone through a natural disaster, and for self-employed people, small businesses, gig workers and those running a home-based childcare center.  

Best of all, it only takes about an hour, and you can file on your phone, tablet, or laptop.  

People always say doing your taxes is a chore. Prove them wrong this year! Go to MyFreeTaxes.com to get started today. 

 

Why Does United Way offer MyFreeTaxes.com?

United Way fights for the health, education and financial stability of every person in every community. We give people the financial education and tools to build a solid foundation that improves their lives and the lives of their children. For millions of Americans, tax refunds and credits are essential to their financial stability and success. That’s why United Way helps people save more of their hard-earned money. So far, more than 1.3 million people nationwide have used MyFreeTaxes, saving some $260 million in tax preparation fees

 

VOLUNTEER

Interested in becoming a volunteer for our free tax preparation program? If so, please reach out to us at info[at]unitedwaywindham.org or 802-257-4011.

Volunteer Information

All Volunteers must meet the IRS certification requirements. Volunteers' self-study by using the IRS’ Link and Learn Taxes e-learning program.

  • The free training and materials will be provided by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and United Way of Windham County.
  • Volunteers are protected under the Volunteer Protection Act of 1997.
  • Volunteers must possess a friendly attitude and adhere to the privacy and confidentiality of taxpayers’ information.
  • United Way ensures that volunteers receive the necessary training to feel confident in their roles.
  • United Way staff provides feedback and support throughout tax season.

The Free Tax Prep program offers several volunteer roles. How would you like to help?

  • Greeters welcome community members, assist with the sign-ins and surveys, and give a run-down of the tax process.
    • IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct.
  • Screeners help taxpayers complete our short intake/interview process and assist people with the paperwork they need to meet with a tax preparer.
    • 3 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Basic Tax Law
  • Tax Preparers connect people with tax credits and refunds by preparing federal and state tax returns.
    • 3 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Advanced Tax Law
    • 3 Optional IRS Certifications: Military, International, and Puerto Rico
  • Quality Reviewers ensure that the taxpayer’s tax return is accurate based on the Intake/Interview Sheet, and the supporting documents provided by the taxpayer.
    • 3 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, and Advanced Tax Law
    • 3 Optional IRS Certifications: Military, International, and Puerto Rico
  • Site Coordinator/Assistant Site Coordinator open and manage a Free Tax Prep site, oversee volunteer personnel, capture results, review returns for accuracy, and work alongside United Way team members and IRS staff.
    • 4 IRS Certification Required: Standards of Conduct, Intake/Interview and Quality Review, Advanced Tax Law, and Site Coordinator
    • 3 Optional IRS Certifications: Military, International, and Puerto Rico

JOIN US! Reach out today and begin one of the most rewarding experiences there is! 

We look forward to working with you!