LATHAM, NY | January 28, 2025 – United Way of the Greater Capital Region (UWGCR), Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany, elected officials, and community partners gathered Tuesday morning at Catholic Central School in Latham to launch the 2025 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) season.

Sponsored by the IRS and UWGCR, VITA is a free, safe, and convenient service that helps thousands of Capital Region families and individuals file their taxes each year. In 2024, more than 5,400 residents utilized VITA, collectively receiving over $6 million in refunds and saving $1.6 million in filing fees.

By providing free tax preparation to those who need it most, VITA is among the primary ways UWGCR and its partners are building pathways to financial security for Capital Region residents. The average income for last year’s VITA filers was $31,856. 

The VITA kickoff was held days before the IRS’s 19th Annual Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Awareness Day on Friday, January 31, 2025. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the EITC, which has proven to be one of the most effective tools for helping working families escape or avoid poverty. In 2024, Capital Region residents who filed through VITA received $1.66 million back in Earned Income Tax Credits and $1.36 million in Child Tax Credits. 

Despite the importance of EITC and CTC to families, the IRS estimates only 20% of residents who are eligible do not file for the EITC on their tax returns each year. VITA volunteer tax preparers are specially trained to ensure that residents receive all of the credits they’re eligible for.

"We're fortunate to have community partners like the United Way of the Greater Capital Region to provide free and professional assistance to our neighbors filing their taxes this year," Senator Pat Fahy (D—Albany) said. "Whether you're filing your own taxes for your first time, your tax circumstances have changed, or you're looking for general assistance, I encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity. Thank you to President and CEO Peter Gannon for again ensuring this critical service returns every year, and I'm thrilled to see a jump in in the number of families and workers taking advantage of this program."

“I am proud to support the work of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region,” Assemblymember John T. McDonald III, RPh said. “This invaluable program helps income-eligible individuals and families access free, expert tax preparation, taking the stress out of tax season. Beyond just tax filing, VITA helps our residents with financial education tools that promote long-term economic stability. It’s vital that we continue to ensure everyone in our community can keep more of what they earn and build a secure future." 

“Affordability is a pressing issue for many families, and with rising costs, we must continue to look for ways to help residents save their hard-earned money,” said Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. “I applaud the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program for the profound impact it has had on our community. Last year, they filed more than 5,400 returns, saving local taxpayers over $1.6 million in filing fees. They are not only helping families save but also ensuring these individuals receive the refunds and tax credits they’re entitled to. We’re talking about money coming back to people who can spend it here on what they need and to help save for the future.”

Stakeholders were joined by students from Catholic Central School, which has served a VITA partner for over 20 years. Each year, juniors and seniors in the school’s business class are trained to file tax returns and certified by the IRS. In 2024, the students helped prepare more than 300 tax returns, saving local families close to $100,000 in filing fees.