Virginia CASH Campaign (VITA Program)

Program Name: Virginia CASH Campaign - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Award Amount: $18,000 (for United Way of Central Shenandoah Valley; total state awards: $485,725 to 21 coalitions)

Geographic Scope: Central Shenandoah Valley (Harrisonburg, Waynesboro, Staunton, and surrounding areas)

Focus Areas:

• Free federal and state tax return preparation
• Help claiming tax credits including Child Tax Credit (CTC)
• Help claiming federal and state Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
• Financial empowerment opportunities for taxpayers

Eligibility:
Households with combined income of $68,000 or less (Harrisonburg/Rockingham County) or $57,000 or less (Staunton/Waynesboro/Augusta County)

Program Goals:

• File 300+ tax returns per season at multiple locations
• Help working households save approximately $200 per return (average professional filing cost)
• Provide Spanish language interpretation services

Services Provided:

• IRS-trained and certified community volunteers
• Free tax preparation at designated community locations
• Financial counseling and connection to financial empowerment opportunities

Program Impact:

• Last filing season: 20,200+ federal and state returns filed statewide
• $22+ million in refunds returned to Virginia communities
• ROI: $45 returned for every $1 invested
• Programs have operated for 20+ years in some cases

Service Locations (UWHR):

• Harrisonburg
• Waynesboro
• Staunton

Contact Information:

• JMU VITA: 540-568-7776 or https://jmutax.setmore.com/
• United Way SAW (Staunton/Waynesboro/Augusta): 540-885-1229 ext 1 or https://valleyvita.as.me/schedule/3624ea7a
• General: 540-434-6639

How to Apply

For VITA Services (Tax Preparation Appointments):

1. Determine eligibility: Household income must be $68,000 or less (Harrisonburg area) or $57,000 or less (Staunton/Waynesboro/Augusta area)
2. Schedule an appointment:
   • JMU VITA: Call 540-568-7776 or visit https://jmutax.setmore.com/
   • United Way SAW: Visit https://valleyvita.as.me/schedule/3624ea7a or call 540-885-1229 ext 1
   • AARP Harrisonburg: Call 540-212-9835 and leave voicemail (appointments at Rockingham County Administration Center; AARP membership not required)
3. Prepare required documents:
   • Photo ID
   • Social Security cards for all household members
   • W-2 forms or other income documentation
   • Proof of bank account information (if claiming direct deposit of refund)
   • Prior year tax return (if available)
4. Attend appointment:
   • Meet with IRS-trained volunteer tax preparer
   • Spanish interpretation available upon request
5. File electronically:
   • Returns prepared for electronic filing
   • Refunds received via direct deposit when applicable

Alternative Option - DIY Filing:

• Use www.myfreetaxes.com if household income is below $79,000