VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM HELPS HUNDREDS

VITA is a nationwide program managed by the Internal Revenue Service and implemented by local partners such as the City of High Point and its volunteers.

VITA provides free, basic tax returns for households with an income of $58,000 or less. The program targets low-to-moderate-income families.

The City of High Point has hosted its VITA program for 17 years. The season runs from mid-January through mid-April.

This tax season, we had 30+ volunteers who donated 1,913 volunteer hours. Tax sites were open for 431 operating hours for a total of 941 returns. Total federal refunds issued were $717,953, with an average taxpayer gross income of $26,255.

VITA saved taxpayers a total of $235,250 in tax preparation fees. The average refund was $1,200, and with 941 returns, a total of up to $959,820 was put back into the local economy.

Between costs saved on tax returns and refunds, the total return on investment for High Point during the 22-23 tax season was $1,008,257.