Granite United Way Launches Free Tax Preparation Program for 2025 Season

It’s tax season and the highly impactful Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program launched January 21, 2025, by Granite United Way, in partnership with Citizens, which generously supports the program with a $50,000 contribution.?

VITA is a free tax preparation program available to individuals and families with household incomes up to $67,000 annually. Taxes are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers who assist low-to-moderate-income residents to access the greatest amount of refunds.

Last year more than $4.2 Million was returned in federal tax refunds through this program, including $861,635 through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) to families and individuals struggling throughout our community. The EITC, coupled with the Child Tax Credit, has lifted nearly 1,000 NH residents out of poverty, including over 700 dependents, each year, on average.?

According to the IRS, about 1-in-5 eligible New Hampshire residents fail to file for the EITC, leaving an estimated $31 million unclaimed.

“Free tax preparation is key to thousands of individuals and families receiving the critical tax benefits they are eligible for. Our team of IRS-certified volunteers dedicate countless hours to this program,” said Nichole Martin Reimer, President and CEO of Granite United Way. “The Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit are both important tax benefits that can provide tax filers a boost in their income. It is one of the primary areas our volunteers are trained to help bring financial stability to families we serve.”

There are three easy ways to access this program:

1. Visit NHTaxHelp.org to schedule an appointment with an IRS-certified tax preparer?

2. Call 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment with an IRS-certified tax preparer

3. Visit MyFreeTaxes.org?to prepare your own return for free & online – with guidance available from a toll-free helpline.

The process is simple once an appointment has been scheduled. The individual gathers their tax documents, valid identification and will meet with their IRS-certified volunteer tax preparer. Once the tax return has been prepared it will be reviewed by a second IRS-certified preparer for accuracy and then submitted. All of this occurs with no charge.

"Educating people about their finances is one of the most important things we do at Citizens. Through Granite United Way’s VITA program, we hope to ensure community members are maximizing their tax returns,” said Joe Carelli, President of Citizens New Hampshire.? “Citizens is proud to continue our financial and volunteer support to help families navigate the process with ease and assurance.”

“This program is key to helping individuals and families navigate through the often-complex tax preparation process,” said Stephanie Turek, Senior Vice President of Impact. “We are proud to offer this program focused on building financial empowerment.”

VITA strives to serve people who are underserved, such as those with disabilities, limited English language proficiency, grandparents raising their grandchildren, and people experiencing homelessness who are working, but not bringing in enough to put a roof over their heads. The VITA volunteers are trained on all of the latest tax preparation changes and they help thousands of individuals and families throughout New Hampshire and Windsor County, Vermont.

“Granite United Way’s VITA program serves a diverse population and is located throughout the state including places like local nonprofits and family resource centers,” said Amanda Greblowski, VITA Volunteer. “I decided to volunteer with VITA as a tax preparer because I have a background in accounting. I also like helping out the community where I can.”

Volunteers are still needed. Those interested can reach out to [email protected]