Take action -- help us to increase VITA funding available for free tax assistance!

On April 15, AccountAbility Minnesota, along with NCTC, is celebrating Tax Day by calling on our Members of Congress to advocate for more funding for VITA -- a program of the IRS that supports free tax prep around the country.

We hope that you will join us on by calling your Member of Congress to ask for more funding for VITA. 

Please use NCTC's online tool to call.

Not familiar with VITA -- here is a brief history.

The community Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a national program of the IRS that provides a safe and cost-effective alternative to self- and paid-preparation for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.  AccountAbility Minnesota (AAM) is a VITA tax site, and receives financial support through this grant program.

The VITA program is appropriated – or funded – each year by Congress.  Current funding levels do not at all reflect the need or demand for services in low-income, underserved communities throughout the country – including Minnesota.  Funding for the program increased from $8 million to $12 million between FY 2009 and FY 2010. Unfortunately, President Obama did not include that full $12 million in his proposed budget to Congress in February 2010, and instead recommended the prior year’s amount of $8 million.  

In 2009, VITA funding went to 111 organizations throughout the country (including AAM), who collectively filed 1.2 million federal tax returns, saving low-income taxpayers $240 million in tax preparation costs.   

Millions of additional low-income taxpayers could be served with a significant boost to this highly effective and efficient program.

More information about the impact of the VITA program.