This tax season, United Way of Anderson County partnered with local communities to expand the availability of free tax preparation services in Anderson County.
VITA—which stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance—is sponsored by the IRS and run by local communities wishing to provide the service to local residents. United Way trained VITA volunteers to help prepare IRS forms for residents with an annual family income of $52,000 or less.
This year, VITA assisted with 397 tax returns, for a total refund of $333,000 and $59,000 saved in filing fees. This is a huge success compared to 2013, totaling 265 returns and $239,000 in total refunds.
These results show approximately a 50% increase in the number of returns compared to last year, and a 40% increase in the amount of dollars coming back directly into the pockets of Anderson County residents.
Tax preparation sites were set up at the Anderson Main Library, Belton Library, Iva Town Hall, Williamston City Hall, and Pendleton Town Hall.