Throughout tax season, United Way of East Central Iowa offers a Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, which provides free assistance on tax returns to eligible residents.
The 2025 season (2024 tax year) has come to a close with exceptional results, made possible by numerous volunteers that ensure individuals in our community have access to tax return resources and expertise.
Our stats for the 2025 season are:
- 2,025 returns prepared
- $2,323,384 federal refund dollars back in our community
- $480,787 state refund dollars back in our community
One of the goals of VITA is to build economic mobility in East Central Iowa, one of UWECI’s focus areas based on the needs in our community.
“Our VITA program is truly amazing,” Kristin Roberts, UWECI President and CEO, said. “The work these volunteers do to help build economic mobility in our community is valuable. It brings me great joy to hear so many stories from volunteers about how this program educates residents on applicable tax credits, leading to tremendous refunds that can help families get back on their feet and build a thriving community.”
VITA sites for the 2025 season included: Cornell College, Hiawatha Public Library, Horizons, Ladd Library, Marion Public Library, St. Andrew Lutheran Church, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, and Jones County Volunteer Center.
Mark Polking is a VITA volunteer and was one of the site coordinators this season. One impactful moment for Polking was when he worked with a client who was grateful for the resources the VITA program provided her.
“We try to provide some tax education during the appointments and explain why the various numbers are the way they are,” Polking said. “Her eyes were getting wider and wider when I told her the combined amount of her two refunds. She put her head into her hands and started crying. After a pause, she looked up and said, ‘You just changed my life, and I can’t thank you enough.’”
That sentiment is just one example of the positive impact our VITA program makes on our community each and every tax season, because of the support from 78 volunteers who contributed 5,158 volunteer hours to the program.
UWECI’s VITA program is also proudly supported by Transamerica and Wells Fargo.