Hamden VITA Site Refunds $1.7 Million to Area Residents

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Hamden completed a record year, refunding $1,731,247 to 1,126 taxpayers at Hamden High school. Sponsored by the Hamden Adult Education Office, United Way of Greater New Haven, and the IRS, the site prepared federal and state tax returns for local low-to-moderate income residents from late January until April 15. Tax preparation is provided free of charge to the community.

The site was staffed by 25 volunteers who served as Greeters, Tax Preparers and Quality Reviewers. All volunteers must study tax law and pass a series of exams to be certified as VITA volunteers by the IRS.

Hamden Adult Ed VITA began in 2016 at Helen Street School and served 330 taxpayers that year. The next year, they moved to Hamden High School where they have been serving the community since. Last year, they refunded $1,350,000 to 874 taxpayers, so this year represents a nearly 30% increase in numbers of taxpayers and refund amounts.

“Our dedicated volunteers did an amazing job of preparing tax returns and assuring that every individual and family received every tax deduction and credit that they were entitled to,” said Mary Ann Emswiler, Site Co-Coordinator. The refunds included $253,325 for federal Earned Income Tax Credits (EITC), $101,791 for state EITC and $305,190 for the Child Tax Credit. “That $1.7 million will make a big difference to so many who are struggling to pay rent, feed their families and provide for their children. And that $1.7 million will be spent at local area businesses, supporting the local economy,” she added.

Community members interested in volunteering one night per week as greeters or tax preparers during next year’s 12-week tax season are invited to reach out to Hamden Adult Ed VITA at HamdenAdultEdVITA@gmail.com. Training is provided free of charge.