United Way of South Central Tennessee (UWSCTN) wrapped up another successful tax season with the VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, including extended tax preparation opportunities through the IRS because of Winter Storm Fern.
The United Way VITA program is an IRS-supported tax preparation service, through which trained volunteers prepare taxes at no cost for qualifying individuals and families. This year, more than 80 volunteers completed a total of 6,000 volunteer hours to prepare taxes at nine total sites across UWSCTN’s service area.
UWSCTN’s VITA program completed 3,526 tax returns, saving more than $1 million in filing fees alone. Clients received a total of $5.1 million in tax refunds, totaling an astounding $6.1 million in financial impact in Bedford, Cannon, Coffee, Lincoln, Moore, Rutherford, and Warren counties alone.
“Through VITA, we have the privilege of turning tax season into an opportunity — one that helps hardworking families keep more of what they've earned and take meaningful steps toward financial security. With our community's support, we look forward to reaching even more people through this service next year," shared UWSCTN President and CEO, Kristen Swann.
United Way’s team is actively seeking volunteers for the next tax season, with volunteer training beginning in fall of 2026. For more information, contact Shannon Bauer.
VITA Numbers by the County (# of returns filed):
Rutherford 2470
Cannon 90
Bedford 236
Lincoln 619
Moore/Coffee 85
Warren 26