United Way Recognizes Efforts of Volunteer Tax Preparers

For the second year, United Way of Greenville County and the City of Greenville partnered with Furman University, Goodwill Industries, Greenville Technical College, the Symmes Foundation, IBM, and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to promote the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and free tax preparation for low-income residents at VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) sites throughout Greenville County.  Anyone who files a basic tax return can use a VITA site.

Through the efforts of United Way and its partners, $289,254.00 in EITC was refunded to Greenville County tax payers this year.  In addition, $151,134.00 in Child Tax Credit was refunded.  A total of 1220 returns were filed, a 52% increase over last year’s number and representing a total of $826,026.00 refunded in Greenville County.

The intent of the United Way of Greenville County and its partners is not just to offer a free tax preparation service, but to put more money into the pockets of low-income taxpayers.  Tax preparers at the VITA sites are also focused on making sure that taxpayers claim all of the tax credits for which they qualify.  One of these tax credits, the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) has been around since the 1970s, but many people don’t know about it.  In fact, United Way became interested in the EITC/VITA program when it realized that thousands of dollars of Earned Income Tax Credit go unclaimed in Greenville County each year.  Individuals and families who earned less than $39,783 last year had a chance to qualify for up to $4,716 in tax credits.  Amounts vary each year depending on marital status and number of qualifying children.  Individuals without children may also qualify.

Tax credits can be used to meet basic needs, set aside for education, or even saved for purchasing a home.  In fact, the EITC has been described as one of the most effective anti-poverty programs in the country.

United Way hopes to expand the number of sites and volunteers next year to reach more low-income individuals.