Hamden VITA Site Refunds Nearly $2.2 Million to Area Residents

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Hamden completed a record year. Sponsored by the Hamden Adult Education Office, United Way of Greater New Haven, and the IRS, the site prepared federal and state tax returns for local low-to-moderate income residents from late January until April 15. Hamden VITA refunded $2,162,000 to 1,300 taxpayers who came to Hamden High School for tax assistance.

The site was staffed by 32 volunteers who served as Greeters, Tax Preparers and Quality Reviewers. All volunteers must study tax law and pass a series of exams to be certified as VITA volunteers by the IRS. Tax preparation is provided free of charge to the community.

The site began in 2016 at Helen Street School and served 330 taxpayers that year. The next year, they moved to Hamden High School where they have been serving the community since. Last year, they refunded $1,881,310 to 1,193 taxpayers, so this year represents a 10% increase in numbers and refund amounts. It is also estimated that the free VITA tax preparation program saved clients $190,000 if they had used paid tax preparers.

“Our dedicated volunteers did an amazing job of preparing tax returns and assuring that every individual and family received every tax deduction and credit that they were entitled to,” said Mary Ann Emswiler, Co-Site Coordinator of the site. “That $2.2 million will make a big difference to so many who are struggling to pay rent, feed their families and provide for their children. And that $2.2 million will be spent at Hamden-area businesses, supporting the local economy,” she added.