Throughout the country, a network of over 4,300 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites helps over 1.2 million low-income taxpayers file their taxes for free each year. Organized through IRS grants, the sites not only help low-income Americans file their taxes, but also to take advantage of important tax credits like the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). For more than six years, the Ohio Tax Time Coalition (formerly the Franklin County EITC Coalition) has served the Columbus metro area as one of these sites. Its mission is to provide free, high-quality tax assistance services; expand uptake of the EITC and other tax credits; and connect people to financial education and savings opportunities. This report offers a window into the mission, challenges, and innovative potential of a VITA program.
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