United Way of the Lowcountry partners with Together For Beaufort to expand free tax preparation sites through the Lowcountry Area VITA Coalition. This effort targets a special outreach to the more vulnerable populations of our region; working families with an adjusted income of approximately $40,000 or below, to help them apply for Earned Income Tax Credits.

“Clean Slate Checking” provides individuals with poor credit or previous banking problems with a fresh start and a special checking account. After twelve consecutive months with no Non-Sufficient Fund fees, these special accounts may be upgraded to a regular checking account.

In 2010, the average VITA prepared tax return refund received by low-income families was just over $1600. Lowcountry Area VITA Coalition volunteers, trained by the IRS, assisted 1660 working families complete their tax forms.

The IRS estimates the total economic impact on our community to be 1.5 times greater than the total amount of tax returns received in the Lowcountry. In 2010 this economic impact was estimated at 1.9 million dollars!

Taxpayers who receive tax preparation services thru our VITA program also receive information and referral to other service providers like the Beaufort County Department of Social Services Family Independence and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs, Palmetto Breeze Transportation, Beaufort County Department of Emergency & Disaster Preparedness, Citizens Opposed to Domestic Abuse, Lowcountry Habitat for Humanity, First Citizens Bank, Angel Food, and other organizations.