Citizens Bank Invests $50,000 in Granite United Way's Free Tax Prep Program

Granite United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program opened for free tax preparation sites  with the help of a Citizens Bank $50,000 contribution from Citizens Bank to support the program.  A formal check presentation was made on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at NeighborWorks Southern NH in Manchester.

This free tax preparation program is available to individuals and families with household incomes up to $66,000 annually. Taxes are prepared by IRS-certified volunteers who assist low-to-moderate income residents of the state to access the greatest amount of refunds. Both Granite United Way and Citizens Bank share a common goal of encouraging financial stability and recognize the importance of programs like VITA to families and individuals.

“Granite United Way’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program has annually brought more than $7 million in tax refunds back to the individuals and families who need it most,” said Patrick Tufts, President and CEO of Granite United Way. “This volunteer-driven program is also working with partners like Citizens Bank to provide educational opportunities around financial stability. Together, we are strengthening our community through the power of financial stability.”

“By supporting the VITA program, Citizens Bank is helping to financially empower thousands of Granite State residents,” said Joe Carelli, President, Citizens Bank, New Hampshire & Vermont. “This program provides individuals and families with access to a mix of tax credits and refund dollars that can set them on the path to reducing debt, savings, and home buying.” 

VITA sites are located in Salem, Manchester, Concord, Laconia, Franklin, Gorham, Littleton and White River Junction and  Windsor (VT). Additional sites including the Seacoast area and Peterborough. Several ‘virtual’ VITA sites are also scheduled to open this year in Colebrook and Plymouth.

Scheduling an appointment is simple.  Those interested can go to NHTaxHelp.org or call 211 and schedule their appointment.  

“Our volunteers are IRS-certified and are up to date on all of the current tax law changes. It’s more important than ever to prepare taxes with a certified tax preparer who can help make sure our low-to-moderate income individuals and families access the greatest refund possible,” said Tufts.

Granite United Way also encourages self-filers with internet access and a household income up to $66,000 to take advantage of www.MyFreeTaxes.com. This provides access to filing software at no cost and a toll-free number to call for tax questions. It is sponsored by United Way Worldwide and H & R Block.

For more information on Granite United Way’s VITA program, contact Cary Gladstone, Senior Director of 211-NH & Asset Building Strategies at 603.625.6939 x 128.

The VITA program is a partnership with United Way, Citizens Bank, the IRS and AARP Foundation Tax Aide.

Pictured in photo (L-R); Patrick Tufts, President and CEO Granite United Way, Manchester Mayor Joyce Craig, Joe Carelli, President of Citizens Bank, New Hampshire and Vermont, and Cary Gladstone, Senior Director of 211 NH and Asset Building Strategies at Granite United Way.