Tax Prep Appointments Now Available with VITA in Greater Waterbury

VITA BROCHURE WITH LOCATIONS
WATERBURY, CT – Individuals and families can visit 211ct.org or or dial 211, a service made possible by United Way of Connecticut and the State of Connecticut, to schedule an appointment to have their taxes prepared at no charge thanks to the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

In partnership with the IRS, and Advancing CT Together, United Way of Greater Waterbury and United Way of Naugatuck and Beacon Falls coordinate annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) locally, along with support from the Wells Fargo Foundation to help households that earned $69,000 or less in the 2025 tax year.

Workers can feel confident that their returns will be filed accurately by certified volunteer preparers.  VITA volunteers receive training prior to certification to ensure that taxpayers are aware of the tax credits for which they are eligible, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) dependent on income level, marital status, and number of qualifying children or dependents to reduce tax liability and increase income for low-wage workers.

“Our whole community benefits when taxpayers apply for the proper tax credits and receive the refunds they are owed.”  Kristen Jacoby, president and CPO of United Way of Greater Waterbury said.  “Parents find relief from the stress of difficult financial choices; shelters serve fewer people because more can remain in their homes with rent and mortgages paid; and households can meet their basic needs.  The general economic viability of Greater Waterbury reflects what is at the individual level: people are better off when they can find the services they need to make the right decisions, such as to apply for a tax credit that exists to help people avoid poverty.”

This year, there will be approximately a dozen local tax preparation sites, with an option to participate virtually in a tax preparation meeting.

In 2025, VITA saved more than 1,000 participants $304,800 in tax preparation fees, returning $1,281,319 to filers in Greater Waterbury.

“We’re hoping to increase those numbers as people learn that VITA is a reliable way to accurately file your taxes,” said Takima Robinson, chief program officer, with Advancing CT Together.  “It’s easy to make an appointment by calling 211 and most taxpayers find the tax preparation process easy if not enjoyable.”

Additional information is available online at www.211ct.org/topic_pages/taxassistance.