FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which offers free tax preparation services to Bexar County residents, has seen a dramatic 63% increase in tax returns filed in just the first two weeks of tax season this year. Additionally, there has been an 24% increase in tax refund dollars with roughly $10 million going back to families in our community through VITA in just the first few weeks of tax season.
These filers were able to declare their 2023 taxes at no cost and save thousands on tax-preparation fees. The significant increase in VITA users is driven by several factors, including the raising of the income threshold to qualify for services from $55,000 last year to $60,000. Another key factor in residents using VITA more this year is likely the rising cost of living in San Antonio. Our research shows that 46% of all Bexar County residents, nearly half, are experiencing economic hardship and faced with making difficult financial decisions daily.
VITA services are available at 13 locations throughout San Antonio and Fredericksburg until April 15. Tax preparation services in Spanish is available at all sites. Select locations offer refund anticipation loans to VITA filers at select locations, with absolutely no fees or interest charged.
| Thousand Oaks Library
4618 Thousand Oaks Dr. |
John Igo Library
13330 Kyle Seale Parkway |
| Claude Black Community Center
2805 E. Commerce St. |
St. Philip’s College
1801 Martin Luther King Blvd. |
| Palo Alto College
1400 W. Villaret |
Presa Community Center
3721 S. Presa St.
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| Bazan Library
2200 W. Commerce St. |
Guadalupe Community Center
1801 W. Cesar Chavez Blvd. |
| Henry Guerra Library
7978 W. Military Dr. |
St. Mary’s University
2507 N.W. 36th St. |
| The Neighborhood Place
3014 Rivas St. |
Wille C. Velasquez Center
1302 N. Zarzamora St. |
| Hill Country Community Needs Council
1904 N. Llano St., Fredericksburg, Texas |
For video and photos of residents filing their taxes with a trained VITA tax preparer, please visit the 2024 VITA press kit.
MEDIA CONTACT: Kevin Femmel, Director of Communications, 210-836-8616, kfemmel@unitedwaysatx.org.
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About United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County
United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County launched its first campaign in 1940 and has grown into the largest private investor in health and human services programs in San Antonio and Bexar County. United Way focuses on preparing children for school and life, helping students graduate and succeed, strengthening the well-being of individuals and families, and providing safety net services. United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County also operates the 2-1-1 Helpline, Mission United and fosters volunteerism through the Volunteer Center at United Way. Check our newsroom online for more United Way news.
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Categories: Press Releases |
