This year marks the 11th anniversary of the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program. GRACE has partnered with the City of Fort Worth and United Way of Tarrant County to provide free tax preparation to individuals and families who qualify for this program.
Last year was an especially difficult year for VITA because of COVID-19 restrictions set in place that changed the service delivery model from ‘in person’ services to ‘drop off’ services only. In addition, as the transition was put in place, the City of Fort Worth and the United Way decided to close the program for several months but were able to extend the services to allow for as many tax returns to be prepared as possible. Even with these unforeseen restrictions, volunteers completed 260 returns, placing over $550,000 back into the hands of the workers who earned it!
The only way this program works is through volunteers and we have so many volunteers to thank for the many years GRACE has participated in this program. A volunteer does not need to be an accountant to learn to file basic tax returns. Training and assistance is provided and this year it will be held virtually to allow for social distancing.
The current plan is for VITA services to be offered in two formats: drop off services and online. GRACE will have VITA staff and volunteers prepared to meet the demands of this service starting January 25th and running through April 14th. (Please be aware that the IRS may change the dates on which they will start to receive tax returns to Feb. 1st which could possibly delay the program by one week.)
The schedule for GRACE tax preparation is as follows:
Monday: 2:00pm to 7:00pm
Tuesday: 2:00pm to 7:00pm
Wednesday: 2:00pm to 7:00pm
Friday: 2:00pm to 7:00pm
If you’re interested in the program or volunteering with it, please click here.
Or you can contact our Chief Program Officer, Stacy Pacholick at 817-305-4636
