VITA Program Statewide Kickoff

MASSCAP and CAPV Launch Annual Statewide Free Volunteer Tax Preparation Program for Low-Income Families

Greenfield, MA (February 4, 2025) – On Friday, the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP), along with Community Action of Pioneer Valley (CAPV), kicked off this year’s tax season by launching the annual Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program, as well as recognizing the importance of the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). The event was joined by Senator Edward Markey, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and Representative Jim McGovern, via video, and in person by Senator Jo Comerford (Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester District), Representative Natalie Blais (1^st Franklin), Representative Lindsey Sabadosa (1^st Hampshire), and Mayor Virginia Desorgher of Greenfield.

Additional attendees included: Elizabeth Pierce, Director of Economic Inclusion, and Jessica Keegan, Baby Steps Program Manager, both of the Office of Economic Empowerment of the MA State Treasury, and Mireille Eastman, Taxpayer Advocate, MA Department of Revenue, among others.

VITA is administered by Community Action Agencies (CAAs) annually and helps thousands of wage earners access millions of dollars in tax refunds, including the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC).  In Massachusetts, CAAs help more than 30,000 low-income taxpayers benefit from more than $60 million in tax refunds, representing a 60 to 1 return-on-investment.

“We are grateful to our legislators for joining with us to help low-income workers. In these challenging times, accessing tax credits – powerful antipoverty tools – is so critical.  The cost of living has increased, with over 10% of MA living in poverty, and many more on the cusp, and the people are counting on resources VITA sites can help them access through free tax preparation,” said Joe Diamond, MASSCAP Executive Director.  He continued, “Our goal for today, as we are joined by friends and allies from across the state, is to raise awareness about the availability of free tax preparation including access to tax credits and financial empowerment services.”

There are approximately 80 VITA sites operating across the state, run by Community Action Agencies and other community-based organizations and colleges.  VITA sites are supported by state resources in the state budget, by resources from the IRS, and by private donations.

“We are also grateful to the state legislature and the governor for investing in VITA sites over the past three years. We are also grateful for the funding provided and for the partnership and technical support we receive from the IRS and DOR,” said Kwabena Ayim, Program Manager, Financial Empowerment, MASSCAP.

Diamond added that funding from the DOR and IRS has lately been reduced by 50% which is very destabilizing, and if it were to continue, could cause some of the 80 VITA sites to go offline or suspend service. “For years, VITA sites operated on a shoestring with some sites suspending operations in any given year and ceasing operations on the last day of tax season. The state and federal resources we are so grateful for have, over the past five years, stabilized the network, allowed VITA sites to reach more and more people for a longer period of time past the end of tax season and offer more financial empowerment services. With the combined 50% cut – the biggest cut was in the state line item of 45 percent – the strides we have made lately in all of those areas will be curtailed. We are calling on the Governor and the Legislature to restore the state resource to its FY 23 and FY 24 level of $1.5 million; the amount provided in the current fiscal year (FY 25) is $820,000.”

The 2025 MASSCAP VITA program kicked off in Greenfield at Greenfield Community College. The MASSCAP VITA program supports 21 Community Action Agencies’ VITA sites. At these VITA sites, volunteers not only provide free tax prep and access to the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and other tax credits to low-income taxpayers allowing them to pay bills, cover essential needs such as rent, save, and plan for the future, but also link them to other critical services strengthening families and the local economy.  This year, VITA sites will help more and more taxpayers and ensure that taxpayers access last year’s new MA Child and Family Tax Credit and increased EITC as well as other expanded tax credits.

The volunteers are the heart and soul of the VITA program.  They are IRS Certified experts who volunteer their time to help to ensure timely, accurate returns as well as full access to tax credits and savings programs.

“We are thrilled to host the statewide VITA Kick-Off today at Community Action Pioneer Valley and to recognize the importance of VITA along with the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit programs which help keep our families out of poverty and improve the well-being of families and children in Massachusetts,” said Clare Higgins, Executive Director of CAPV, based in Greenfield.

Representative Blais, receiving a “Community Action Champion” award for her continued support of the VITA program, continued, “How often do you hear about a 60 to 1 return on investment and family connection in one sentence? It is extraordinary to hear the impact [of the program]. Thank you, we could not do this work without you.”

Senator Commerford, also receiving an award for her service, continued, “I’m so honored to do this work, and I believe in paying taxes but only if those taxes are fair. It doesn’t mean anything unless people get the money back that they deserve. This is the best investment I can think of. Thank you to Community Action, and to all of you, for making this program happen.”

Via video, Senator Ed Markey thanked MASSCAP and CAPV, “To the VITA coordinators and volunteers, who take the time to offer free tax preparation services to all of MA, we thank you for your work. Families rely on tax credits… to pay bills, cover rent, take care of medical expenses, and plan for a hopeful future. As we head into a new year with new challenges and new opportunities, one important thing will never change is that we are all in this together. I always say that a vision without funding is a hallucination but a tax benefit without equitable access is an illusion – you make it a reality.”

The Earned Income Tax Credit has been called one of the most successful antipoverty programs.  It bridges the wage gap – since the late 1970’s wages have not kept up with productivity and many working people have trouble meeting their basic needs.  The EITC, along with other tax credits, has been shown to improve infant health outcomes, employment rates of single mothers, child educational achievement, and future earnings.  The increase in the MA EITC from 30 to 40% has had and will continue to have a big impact for so many. January 31st is also the 50^th anniversary of the National Earned Income Tax Awareness Day.

Senator Warren, via video, added, “Your work to help families access the earned income tax credit, the child tax credit, and credits for retired people, is making a real difference for MA families. I am so glad that [families] will be able to claim the tax credits [they] are eligible for… [which are] so important for bridging the wage gap for working class and middle-class families.” said Senator Warren, via video.

Representative McGovern, continued via video, “For many families ensuring you receive the full tax refund you deserve is crucial to making ends meet, and a tax refund or credit can mean the difference between keeping the heat on in winter, ensuring children have what they need for school, and the ability for parents to provide their children with nutritious meals to eat.”

In addition to VITA, the 23 Community Action Agencies across Massachusetts offer a wide range of services including Early Education and Care including Head Start, Fuel Assistance, housing and energy programs, food assistance, and financial education.  This integrated approach is a fundamental component of how CAAs help people stabilize their lives and move onto economic mobility.

For more information on VITA, please visit www.masscap.org/freetaxprep.